Physical activity and brain stimulation
To maximize cognitive abilities, it is necessary to stimulate the brain. The blood flow supply provides the necessary oxygen for brain processes such as memory, attention or language. There are several ways to stimulate the brain: on the one hand, there would be the most natural and less invasive forms such as reading, meditating or exercising;And on the other, there are medical and surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation, which consists of implanting electrodes in certain parts of the brain. This procedure is only used to treat diseases such as epilepsy or parkinson.
Developing
There is an activity that has caught the attention of researchers both for their ability to stimulate the brain and its health benefits: it is physical exercise. For all these reasons, then it will be commented on what effect physical activity has on the brain.
He is able to create new blood vessels in the brain
In the same way that physical activity causes changes in the muscles, there are also adaptations in the brain. One of these adaptations is the creation of new blood vessels throughout the cerebral cortex.
The increase in vascularization is known as angiogenic effect and is a protection factor against cerebral aging. This adaptation to exercise is very important, since it helps to better distribute oxygen and nutrients, and therefore strengthens cognitive processes.According to a study published in the American Geriatrics Society magazine conducted with retired people, those who were more active showed better cognitive functioning and a higher brain perfusion index.
Produces new connections between neurons
Physical exercise is also able to stimulate connections between neurons, which increases brain tissue thickness. Although there are no definitive conclusions yet, certain studies reveal that soft physical exercise can increase the neurotrophic factor derived from brain (BDNF), a gene involved in the creation of brain tissue.
In a study published by the University of Illinois, a positive relationship between the aerobic capacity of medium -sized people and the density of the brain tissue was discovered. Therefore, people with good physical condition have healthier brains.
Protects against neurodegenerative diseases
Regular exercise practice has short -term benefits, such as an increase in oxygenation in the brain or well -being, but its benefits can also be noted in the long term. In this sense, physical activity is a protection factor against neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson or Alzheimer’s. According to a study published in The Lancet Neurology, the probability of suffering Alzheimer’s was significantly lower in older people who had been active during adulthood. On the contrary, those who had led a sedentary lifestyle showed a higher risk index.
Enhances efficiency in executive functions
Physical activity produces stimulation in all brain areas, but there is a part that is more sensitive to this effect: the prefrontal cortex. This region of the brain is responsible for superior cognitive processes such as reasoning, planning or behavior control. It is the area that takes the closest to mature, and the first one that is affected by cerebral aging.
Physical activity has the possibility of optimizing the processes controlled by the prefrontal cortex. Examples of these processes that benefit from an active lifestyle would be the reaction time for stimuli and working memory. The latter is the ability to remember the mentally information while doing a task.
conclusion
The brain is one of the most important organs;Without its correct functioning, the person cannot survive. Therefore, it is vital importance to take care of it and try to be healthy. Bringing a series of healthy habits is a first step to get the brain to remain healthy. This includes a healthy and balanced diet, having enough hours of sleep and performing physical exercise daily. All these changes will have a positive impact on health both in the short term and in the future, during old age.
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