I'm Just Getting Old, That's All... Links Between Aging, Exercise and Brain Health

It happens all the time - you forget where you put your keys, or to pick up something from the store (again!) You might joke about having 'senior moments', and for most people who experience forgetfulness, some memory loss is a relatively harmless part of aging. But others might worry that what they experience isn't 'normal' aging.

There may well be good reason to keep your brain in shape. Dr. Marc Poulin of the University of Calgary is a researcher who suggests a strong link exists between a fit body and cognitive function, or a well-functioning mind.

In a study published in Neurobiology of Aging in December 2008, Dr. Poulin's research team tracked 42 women aged 50 to 90, comparing those who took part in regular aerobic activity with a sedentary group. Those who exercised regularly had better blood pressure and better blood flow to the brain. They also scored higher on tests for cognition and perception. The women were doing everything from walking to swimming to dancing to cross-country skiing and hiking.

Dr. Poulin is now leading a five-year Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) study of the effects of regular exercise on preventing age-related cognitive decline.

And for a different approach to boosting brain power, Baycrest, an internationally-renowned cognitive science institute announced recently that it has created a new company with MaRS, a Canadian innovation centre, to develop and market brain fitness products and games geared to help adults extend their memory and cognitive abilities.

Share your comments on keeping up with exercise as we age (and in what way), and related research evidence.