Like running makes us not only healthier, but also smarter

Physically active older people remain much longer in the clear mind and good health than their more passive counterparts. I think you will notice that after any exercise feels the influx of not only physical but also mental strength: it seems easier to the correct solutions are much faster, and the crises seem not quite so, and hopeless.

Running - aerobic exercise, and, according to scientists, it generates much more energy for the brain than just fitness or visit the gym.

While running, we will pump through your heart and lungs, and this, in turn, improves the cardiovascular system. Our pump works better oxygenated blood glucose and quickly delivered to the brain, and we begin to think faster.

new thinking

According to Dr. Jay Carson Smith, who studies the impact of exercise on brain function, Running stimulates the formation of new nerve cells (neurogenesis) and new blood vessels (Angiogenesis). Neurogenesis and angiogenesis increase the volume of brain tissue, which normally decreases as we age.

A study conducted in 2011 by the National Academy of Sciences, showed that physically active elderly people the volume of their hippocampus - a region associated with learning and memory - more than 2% compared with inactive peers. In addition, running rescues those nerve cells that would have to die off with age.

A good memory and attention to detail

Next run advantage - improving memory and preventing age-related dementia, that is, of senility.

Dementia (lat. of dementia - madness) - acquired dementia, stable decrease of cognitive activity with the loss in a less previously learned knowledge and skills and the difficulty or impossibility of purchasing new. Unlike mental retardation (mental retardation), dementia congenital or acquired in infancy, which is the mental underdevelopment, dementia - is disintegration of mental functions occurring as a result of brain damage, often - in his youth as a result of addictive behavior, most often - in old age (senile dementia; from the Latin. senilis - senile, old man's). In people, senile dementia is called senility.

human hippocampus typically suffer the most from such neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's disease. In 2010, the experiment was conducted with mice. One group was "running" - active, and the second - passive. As a result, active adult mice could grow new neurons in itself is already an adult and thus to distinguish colors and shapes much better than their sedentary counterparts. Earlier studies, conducted with the participation of the people, as confirmed this theory. These types of cognitive skills, including the aggravation of attention, help prevent senility. So, if you do not want to become a grandparent, who for the umpteenth time in the last minute from grandchildren ask again if they had dined, run!

Memorizing new words comes to 20% better after an intense workout than after an easier option.

clear plan

Another advantage of running: it improves your ability to plan. This is due to the fact that it includes your front (frontal) cortex, and you start to think faster, not to be confused in detail and well remember that and when you have to do. Studies conducted in 2010 showed that people who have treated themselves to an easy jog or other physical activity are much better coped with mental tests than those who were not physically active before testing.

By the way, you can take it to your review! If you want to develop a work plan, and in the head porridge urgently arrange a five-minute physical activity.

Improved sorting information

As mentioned above, running it improves memory and helps fight against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease the same. And it's not just a memory improvement - a sort improving and finding relevant information. Studies conducted with people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease have shown that physically active people will recall the desired names. Neuroimaging revealed increased activity of the caudate nucleus, which is located in the midbrain just below the corpus callosum. This part of the brain is also involved in motor functions and supports "Memory circuitry". Ie jogging improves the quality of signals that are transmitted through these schemes, which means that you there is better and faster access to the millions of details that are stored in your memory.

positive attitude

And still running - this is a great cure for depression! And it works just as well as special medicines, helping to delay a little longer at the synapse neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. This raises your spirits, and the world no longer seemed so gray, dull and hopeless.

It turns out that from the problems you can really escape. Have a nice weekend and productive workout!

(via)