Physical activity boosts brain function in older women, Foundation researcher finds

Being physically fit may help older women improve their mental function because of improved blood flow, results from Foundation-funded researcher Dr. Marc Poulin have shown.

The team of Alberta researchers looked at 42 women, average age 65 years, who were either inactive or engaged in regular aerobic activity such as walking or running on a treadmill. Poulin’s team took various measurements to determine the women’s heart health, resting blood flow to the brain and the capacity of their brain blood vessels. They also used tests to determine their mental abilities.

When compared, the active group had 10% lower resting and active blood pressure levels and a 5% higher response in the brain during physical activity and 10% better brain function during cognitive tests.

Poulin says this study proves that people who are physically active have better blood flow to their brain, and as a result, they are more likely to have improved mental function. This further supports the Foundation’s recommendation to be physically active for at least 30 minutes, most days of the week to reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Dr. Poulin's research is supported by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & Nunavut, along with AHFMR, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Strafford Foundation.

Learn about physical activity for seniors.

Posted: Jan 23, 2009

Source: Brown AD, McMorris CA, Poulin MJ, et al. Effects of cardiorespiratory fitness and cerebral blood flow on cognitive outcomes in older women. Neurobiology of Aging. 2008.11.002

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