Running Makes You Smarter!

How is it that every high school cross country runner, routinely finishes at the top of their class academically? Conversely, when a senior citizen suddenly becomes inactive, have you noticed that it does not take long until they start to lose their memory? 

Research has now established the effects of exercise on our cognition. Simply put, exercise increases the blood supply or food to our brain. This changes the brain from the molecular to behavioral level in ways that protect our memory and thinking skills.

One of the coolest things is that aerobic exercise enhances neurogenesis. This is the process of building new brain connections or neurons. It also improves brain plasticity, or the ability of the brain to change and adapt. Many studies have noted that the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus of the brain have greater volume in people who exercise versus people who don’t. These areas control thinking and memory.

The benefits of exercise were found to not only enhance learning, but also protect the brain from injury and maintain function with aging. This includes lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is estimated that 115 million people will have dementia worldwide by the year 2050. This alone is a reason to get moving! Activities with both physical and mental demands, such as coordination, strategy and rhythm have a higher impact on cognitive function than exercise alone. So, get out and play that round of golf, or learn to ballroom dance. You just need to get the heart pumping to stimulate your brain! 

Everyone has heard about “the runner’s high”. High level of aerobic exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, or chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators. So not only does exercise relieve stress, but it can also reduce depression and anxiety and improve mood and sleep.

My daughter’s first grade teacher gets the kids up for a “brain break” in the middle of class. She teaches them a new dance routine that gets the kids moving and their brains engaged, while learning to coordinate the steps. Instead of a brain break, it is actually stimulating the brain! 

The next time you are in a slump at work, instead of reaching for another cup of coffee – go for that brisk walk! Our brains can make new connections and adapt. The more we stimulate our brains by aerobic activity the greater the cognitive enhancements….GET MOVING! 

REFERENCES:

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Byrne, A. and Byrne, D.G. The effect of exercise on depression, anxiety and other mood states: a review. J. Psychosom. Res. 1993;37: 565–574