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Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Body and Mind - Part II
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I guess I’m stuck on a theme this month……mental fitness. And here is more evidence that moving your body improves your mental fitness. If a firm butt doesn’t motivate you to get out of the house and move it, maybe a mind like a steel trap will.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that exercising stimulates nerve cell growth in the dentate gyrus, a part of the hippocampus that is involved in memory. Typically this area of the brain is involved in age related memory decline occuring after the age of 30. The most recent study utilized a specific MRI technique to observe the growth of the nerve cells and supports previous studies which noted growth in the dentate gyrus through postmortem exams.
Now reseachers are trying to target the specific types, frequency, and intensity of exercise that produces the best response of the nerve cells in the dentate gyrus. So along with cardio, strength training, flexibilty and balance targeted programs, we are going to have “brain” workouts!
But seriously, I find this research fascinating and important. I hope it inspires and motivates you to keep exercising.
Study information from ScienceDaily.com
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