Exercise Can Prevent Brain Shrinkage

There is growing evidence that exercise is good for the brain. Scottish researchers recruited almost 700 healthy subjects who were born in 1936. When they turned 70, researchers did MRI brain scans on them. For the next three years the volunteers kept track of their daily activities including exercise, social interaction and mentally stimulating games such as chess or crossword puzzles. After three years a second series of brain scans was conducted. People who exercised regularly, even those who simply took walks, showed less brain shrinkage. Puzzles and other mental exercises did not provide the same benefits as physical activity.
[Neurology, October, 23 2012]