Not So Dumb After All

Have you heard the common dictum that you either had brains or brawn, and usually one suffered because of the other. Well times are changing! A fascinating study published in the November 2009 edition of the Archives of Neurology, Dr. Patricia Boyle and her colleagues from Chicago reported that individuals who had overall greater muscle strength had a reduced likelihood of developing cognitive loss over a four-year period.

Researchers studied 970 men and women between the ages of 54 to 100 years old (average age of 80), with normal memory, testing their strength in nine different muscle groups. During the four year follow up period, 138 of these individuals developed cognitive loss. Interestingly, it was found that those individuals who ranked in the top 10% for muscle strength were 61% less likely to develop progressive cognitive loss compared to the weakest 10%. Additionally, stronger people, overall, experienced a slower decline in their mental abilities. Dr. Boyle noted, “We certainly think that it is important to be physically active and to work to keep our muscles strong. Good physical health is important for good brain function.”

The above study proves yet again, just how important it is to stay active as our years increase. Aside from being good for overall cardiovascular health, a regular exercise program can also help improve mood and help potentially ward off progressive cognitive loss. Additionally, it is important that individuals stay mentally occupied as they get older. The adage, “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” is certainly true when it comes to brain function and cognitive loss.

Couple a proper exercise regiment with good diet and an active nutritional supplementation program and lo and behold, you are ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping your mind running on all cylinders!

Stay active and you shall stay alert! Get moving!

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