Slow Cognitive Decline by Increasing Your Heart Rate

As researchers are learning more about the connection between exercise and cognitive decline, you may be wondering what exercises you should be doing. Researchers from the University of Connecticut addressed this concern in a new study.

The aerobic exercise produced a “moderately favorable” effect on cognitive function. The researchers believe that increasing one’s heart rate and blood flow to the brain is a key to slowing cognitive decline. In this case, more is more; the more exercise sessions participants completed, the greater the effect on cognitive function.

While weight-bearing exercise has obvious physiological benefits, at this time research has shown no link between it and cognitive function. Nevertheless, as we know weight-bearing exercise is a necessary component of total fitness to maintain bone density.

It is important to remember that all types of exercise— from aerobic to weight training, yoga, and “Zumba”— should be a priority as we age; however, if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, it may be worth it to put an emphasis on aerobic exercise.