Between 40 and 60: how physical activity protects the brain

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Extract from the article: Moderate to vigorous physical activity has major benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Less well known is the fact that it is also good for brain health, and therefore cognitive faculties (memory, learning, reasoning), which tend to decli

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Moderate to vigorous physical activity has major benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Less well known is the fact that it is also good for brain health, and therefore cognitive faculties (memory, learning, reasoning), which tend to decline after a certain age; ageing being a major risk factor for dementia.

Cardiovascular and cerebral health are intimately linked: the brain is supplied with blood, which provides oxygen and nutrients (including glucose), and if this transport is compromised by blood vessels in poor condition, the brain suffers. This link has been demonstrated by a study conducted by researchers at Columbia University (USA), based on data from thousands of people (bothmen and women), aged between 40 and 60 at the start of the study and followed for a period of 25 years.

The results show that regular physical activity in mid-life has a protective effect against the brain damage associated with ageing.The greater the physical intensity in mid-life, the greater the protection against cerebrovascular damage during the ageing process. This is particularly true for two parameters: white matter and vascular lesions.It is important to note that those who did not take any physical exercise at the outset but who made progress in this area also registered a real benefit. In other words, it's never too late to start. For example, 150 minutes a week of brisk walking (5 x 30 minutes) is already a good start. In addition, for good brain health, you should avoid smoking, eat well, get enough sleep, limit or avoid alcoholic beverages, and monitor your health parameters: blood pressure and blood sugar.

William O.