Walking is not only good for our heart and our blood vessels, it is also very beneficial for the brain! According to an American study, adults who walk at least 10 km a week are at less risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
To reach this conclusion, the researchers studied 229 adults with an average age of 78. None of them suffered from dementia.
Over the 9 years they were monitored, each was asked to keep a record of how far they walked each week.
They also underwent brain scans and other specific tests in order to identify the possible presence of intellectual disorders or indeed dementia.
As we grow older, the grey matter in our brain can deteriorate. Memory problems and dementia are signs of this that can appear over time.
During the course of their study, the researchers discovered that the volume of grey matter was greater in individuals who walked about 10 kilometres a week.
So … exercise is good for the head, not just the body. Yet another reason to keep active!
