As we age, our brains naturally shrink, and our cognitive abilities decline. However, emerging research suggests that specific lifestyle changes, including exercise, may help to protect our brains from age-related decline. For example, a new study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience proves that stronger muscles may boost memory function.
There is some good news for those looking to keep their memories sharp as they age – it seems that working out and having solid muscles may also help boost memory. In addition, a recent study found that participants with the most vital powers also performed best on memory tasks.
The study looked at a group of men and women between 20 and 84. First, the participants’ muscle strength was tested by having them complete a set number of repetitions using a handgrip device. They were then given a series of memory tests, including tasks such as remembering a list of words or repeating back a sequence of numbers.
The results showed that muscle strength was positively linked to performance on memory tasks. In fact, for every 10% increase in muscle strength, participants remembered an average of one extra word from the list of words they were asked to recognize.
Stronger Muscles May Pump Up Your Memory
What are Muscles and Memory
Our muscles play an essential role in our everyday lives. They help us move around, but they may also help improve our memory. A recent study found that people who had stronger muscles performed better on memory tasks than those with weaker muscles.
The study looked at two groups of people – those in their early 20s and those in their late 60s. The younger group had more muscular muscles, while the older group had weaker muscles. The researchers found that the more youthful group performed better on memory tasks than the older group.
So why do stronger muscles improve our memory? One theory is that strong muscles are associated with a healthy brain. Another idea is that solid muscles help keep our brain cells functioning properly. However, more research is needed to determine the exact role of forces in memory formation and retention.
What is Memory?
Memory is the ability to store and recall information. It is essential for learning and performing tasks. Memory is divided into two types: short.
-term and long-term. Short-term memory is the temporary storage of information, while long-term memory is the more permanent information storage.
The hippocampus is a part of the brain responsible for memory formation and storage. Unfortunately, the hippocampus can be damaged by head injuries, stroke, or Alzheimer’s disease. When the hippocampus is damaged, it can impair a person’s ability to form new memories or retrieve old memories.
There are several ways to improve your memory, including exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep habits. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps improve cognitive function. A healthy diet high in antioxidants promotes healthy brain function. And good sleep habits help keep the brain functioning optimally.
The Relationship between Muscles and Memory.
It has long been known that physical activity can improve mental function, but a new study suggests that the relationship may work both ways: Stronger muscles may pump up your memory.
In the study published in the journal Neurology, middle-aged adults were asked to memorize a list of words. Some of the participants then did strength training exercises for six weeks, while the others did not. At the end of the study, those who had done strength training showed significantly better recall of the words than those who had not.
They also had larger hippocampi — the part of the brain associated with memory. “Our results suggest that muscle strength is important for memory and that interventions like exercise that increase muscle strength might be useful for protecting against age-related memory decline,” said study author
How to Improve Memory with Exercise
Did you know that exercise may improve your memory? According to a study published in the journal Neurology, older adults who were physically fit had better memories than those who were less fit.
The study looked at 439 people aged 50 to 84. The participants took tests of their memory and physical fitness every year for six years. The results showed that the more physically fit people were, the better their memories were.
So how can you improve your memory with exercise? It’s simple: get moving! Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for 30 minutes three times a week is all it takes. You can go for a walk, bike ride, swim, or jog. Or try some strength training or balance exercises.
Exercise helps keep your body healthy, but it also helps keep your brain healthy. So get moving and boost your memory!
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for ways to improve your memory, you may want to hit the gym. According to a recent study, older adults with stronger muscles perform better on memory tests.
The study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia looked at the relationship between muscle strength and cognitive performance in adults aged 60 to 80. The participants were asked to complete several memory tasks and tests that measured their muscle strength.
The findings published in the journal PLOS One showed that those who had stronger muscles performed better on the memory tasks. In particular, they could remember more items from a list and recall them more quickly. While the study was small and more research is needed, it’s possible that exercise could help improve memory in older adults.
More information
The Alzheimer’s Association has more about mild cognitive impairment.
SOURCE: the University of Sydney, news release, Oct. 24, 2016
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