Being Fit and Having Healthy Central Arteries Protect Memory as People Age

What is it about?

As we age many of our brain function, including memory, get progressively. This study found that decline in the physical fitness and the gradual stiffening of the central arteries of the body (mainly the aorta) that tend to occur as we get older explain the variation in memory, specifically spatial working memory, that is usually associated with general ageing. Surprisingly, however, there was no direct relationship between fitness and the health of the central arteries - at least at the specific time point.

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Why is it important?

Cognitive decline, particularly in the later stages of life, may eventually result in distress and difficulties in daily life. Exercise and fitness have been shown to assist in reducing the rate of this decline, and even in reducing the risk of developing dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease. Our findings support this previous research with respect to fitness. Additionally, in conjunction with the health of the central arteries, appears to explain all of the variation in working memory usually associated with 'getting older'. These findings add weight and evidence to the potential use of exercise and health monitoring as a preventative strategy to reduce the loss of brain functions, and even decreasing the risk of developing dementia. This is very important, particularly given the current lack of effective pharmacological interventions or treatments.

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