Hyderabad: 2 hours of exercise in a week boosts memory

Hyderabad: Scientists have discovered the various benefits of 120 to 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, including that it helps improve the memory function of the brain. Physical exercise of moderate intensity is found to be the key to good health, happy feeling, smart and improved response to situations and longevity.

Multiple studies over the past decade on the impact of physical exercises on the brain have show shown that working out increases the levels of important hormones and neurochemicals which help the brain cells. Exercise is found to elevate the quantity of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and endogenous opioids which play an important role in functioning of the brain.

Dr  Sudhindra Gupta, exercise neurophysiologist at KIMS Hospital, said, “A moderate regimen of exercise is found to boost the neurons which are able to connect to the brain better. The offshoot of one nerve into multiple nerves is called neurons and these multiple offshoots reach the brain faster impacting the well-being.”

Dr Gupta said some people report feeling good, fresh and happy after exercise is because there is improved connection of different parts of the body with the brain. “When connections improve the functioning of the nervous system improves which leads to better functionality of the body,” Dr Gupta said.

Exercise regimen like high-intensity work-out’s, low-intensity work-outs and moderate intensity work-outs are often discussed and there is an aim to move from one level to the other depending on the age and body.

Experts state that the recent study published in Neurology Research International states that a moderate set of exercises is better as repetitive movements are found to have a better effect rather than one major exhaustive movement.

For example, instead of taking an eight-kg weight it is better if four-kg are taken and the movements are repeated. Similarly, there is recommendation to opt for walking, jogging and running in sequential manner and track back in the same sequence which gives the body enough time to adjust from higher heart to moderate and then normal.  

Dr Gopal Poduval, neurophysician. explained, “Regular exercise must be done based on the target heart rate and this is the most appropriate manner of work-out. It has been found that those who exercise regularly have an improved sleep pattern.”

He noted that sleep was very important and there is a direct co-relation between exercise and sleep. The improved blood circulation in the body ensures better functioning of organs and the connections with the nervous system.

Those who have a genetic make-up for neurodegenerative disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s can’t be exempt due to the exercise regimen.

Dr Rajesh Reddy, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, said a regular exercise session may delay the onset but it can’t be prevented. “Once identified the therapies are as important as the medications and they would require interventions from time to time. These would help in further delaying the progression of the diseases.”