A new study from University College London indicates that starting your day with exercise or brisk walking can improve memory and cognitive performance. The research suggests that 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity combined with at least six hours of sleep can lead to better cognitive outcomes the following day.
Key Findings
- Physical activity has been previously linked to reducing the risk of dementia and enhancing short-term cognitive function.
- Researchers observed that a 30-minute increase in daily physical activity resulted in a 2% to 5% improvement in working and episodic memory scores the next day.
- Unlike past studies focusing on lab settings, this study tracked participants in real-life conditions over eight days.
Study Details
- Conducted with 76 adults aged 50 to 83 years without cognitive impairments or dementia.
- Participants wore accelerometers to monitor their activity and sleep.
- Daily cognitive tests assessed memory, attention, and processing speed.
Why It Matters
- The findings suggest that physical activity boosts blood flow and stimulates neurotransmitters, enhancing brain function.
- Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg, the study’s lead author, emphasized that even minor improvements in cognitive performance could significantly benefit those with mild cognitive impairment.
Aging and Brain Health
Dr. Bloomberg noted:
“We all experience cognitive decline as we get older… What are these little things we can do to improve cognitive function, independence, and social participation?”
The next phase of research will explore the impact of exercise on individuals with cognitive impairments, potentially offering a simple way to maintain brain health as we age.