ScienceDaily (2009-06-30) — Physically active elderly people showed healthier cerebral blood vessels than those who are not active.
This is the first study to compare brain images of elderly subjects who exercise with those that do not.
The high activity group reported participating in an aerobic activity for a minimum of 180 minutes per week for the past 10 consecutive years. The low activity group told investigators they had no history of regular exercise and currently spent less than 90 minutes a week in any physical activity.
Aerobically active subjects exhibited more small-diameter vessels with less tortuosity, or twisting, than the less active group, exhibiting a vessel pattern similar to younger adults. If you want to keep your brain young, stay active.