The benefits of physical exercise in preventing disease and maintaining the shape of the body are well known. However, few people know that it also has a positive impact on the brain. In fact, recent studies suggest that it can prevent memory loss and improve cognitive function. “People who are physically active are less likely to experience worsening mental function and have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.” “Physical activity is one of the known modifiable risk factors for dementia,” they explain from the Mayo Clinic.
To achieve brain benefits, it would be enough to perform training sessions of 30 to 60 minutes several times a week. This frequency of physical activity helps maintain thinking, reasoning, and learning abilities in healthy people and improves memory, reasoning, judgment, and thinking skills (cognitive function) in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Mild or mild cognitive impairment, delay According to the Mayo Clinic, they can reduce the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in people who are at risk of developing the disease, or slow the progression of the disease and increase the size of the part of the brain , which is associated with memory formation (hippocampus).
Another benefit is that physical activity not only helps maintain blood flow to the brain, but also increases the production of chemicals that protect the brain and counteract some of the natural shrinkage of brain connections that occurs with age.
Exercise, beneficial for children with developmental disabilities
Exercise is also crucial for children’s neural development, particularly in the first years of life (particularly up to age five, a time of maximum brain plasticity). It has been shown that when children move and take on challenges such as climbing, balancing, running or cycling, they contribute to their brain development. For this reason, it is particularly important that children with a neurodevelopmental disorder train their motor skills, play sports and stay active and moving, as this has a positive impact on their development.
In addition to exercise and exercise, we can also care for our brains through diet. With this in mind, it is important to consume foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. Low levels of these essential fats are associated with smaller brain volume, poorer memory test scores, and an even higher risk of depression, behavioral problems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We find Omega-3 in blue fish, which is always better to choose in a small size because it accumulates less mercury, such as mackerel, anchovy, sardine, horse mackerel or salmon. Walnuts are also an important source of omega-3 fatty acids. We must remember that children should not eat nuts until they are at least five years old because of the risk of choking. However, we can offer them completely crushed (in creams, cookies, etc.) or in the form of a vegetable drink to consume due to their nutrients.
