Tai Chi improves brain size and memory in the Chinese elderly. (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)
In a new study, scientists from the University of South Florida and
Fudan University in Shanghai found increases in brain volume and improvements
on tests of memory and thinking in Chinese seniors who practiced Tai Chi three times
a week.
Findings were based on an 8-month randomized controlled trial comparing
those who practiced Tai Chi to a group who received no intervention. The same
trial showed increases in brain volume and more limited cognitive improvements
in a group that participated in lively discussions three times per week over
the same time period.
Previous trials have shown increases in brain volume in people who
participated in aerobic exercise, and in one of these trials, an improvement in
memory was seen. However, this was the first trial to show that a less aerobic
form of exercise, Tai Chi, as well as stimulating discussion led to similar
increases in brain volume and improvements on psychological tests of memory and
thinking.
The group that did not participate in the interventions showed brain
shrinkage over the same time period, consistent with what generally has been
observed for persons in their 60s and 70s. Numerous studies have shown that
dementia and the syndrome of gradual cognitive deterioration that precedes it
is associated with increasing shrinkage of the brain as nerve cells and their
connections are gradually lost.
"The ability to reverse this trend with physical exercise and
increased mental activity implies that it may be possible to delay the onset of
dementia in older persons through interventions that have many physical and
mental health benefits," said lead author Dr. James Mortimer, professor of
epidemiology at the University of South Florida College of Public Health.
Research suggested that aerobic exercise is associated with increased
production of brain growth factors. It remains to be determined whether forms
of exercise like Tai Chi that include an important mental exercise component
could lead to similar changes in the production of these factors.
"If this is shown, then it would provide strong support to the
concept of 'use it or lose it' and encourage seniors to stay actively involved
both intellectually and physically," Dr. Mortimer said.
One question raised by the research is whether sustained physical and
mental exercise can contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, the
most common dementing illness. "Epidemiologic studies have shown
repeatedly that individuals who engage in more physical exercise or are more
socially active have a lower risk of Alzheimer''s disease," Dr. Mortimer
said.
"The current findings suggest that this may be a result of growth
and preservation of critical regions of the brain affected by this
illness," he added. The finding was reported in the Journal of
Alzheimer's Disease.
Times of India
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