Major New Report Establishes Effective Methods of Enhancing and Preserving Brain Power as We Age

“In 1900, only 4.1 percent of U.S. citizens were older than 65; in 2000 that number had jumped to 12.6 percent; and by the year 2030, 20 percent of our population could be in that category. Cognitive decline was long seen as an inevitable consequence of aging, but recent years have seen a surge of interest in activities and products touted to forestall this outcome. What is the truth? Is decline inevitable, or is there a possibility of retaining our faculties if we exercise them? And which kinds of exercises and products are effective, and which are merely hype? According to the most rigorous and comprehensive review of the scientific findings ever, there is clear evidence that cognitive-enrichment activities -- including intellectually stimulating pursuits, social engagement, and especially physical exercise -- may indeed preserve or enhance various aspects of cognitive functioning as we age. Your brain also stays in better shape if you work out. The authors of this report point to a recent study looking at 5,925 women over the age of 65. Researchers assessed their physical activity by asking the women how many city blocks they walked per day and how many flights of stairs they climbed daily. The women also responded to a questionnaire detailing their participation in 33 different physical activities. Looking at the cognitive function of these women 6 to 8 years later, the researchers found that the most active women had a 30 percent reduced risk of cognitive decline. Interestingly, walking distance was associated with cognition, but walking speed was not. It seems that even moderate levels of physical activity can serve to limit declines in cognition in older adults.”

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