Originally published December 1 2005
Florida scientists find lifelong exercise promotes brain health
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida has produced a study that demonstrates lifelong exercise may decrease the rate of aging in the brain.
In the first study to show that lifelong exercise decreases cellular aging in the brain, scientists from the McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida say that moderately active rats have healthier DNA and more robust brain cells than their less active counterparts.
Oxidative damage in the brain is believed to be a natural consequence of aging and a contributor to memory loss.
In addition, increased oxidative damage has been implicated in the loss of brain cells that is associated with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Oxidative damage can occur when molecules of oxygen gain electrons and become free radicals.
Working with Christiaan Leeuwenburgh, Ph.D., an associate professor of aging and geriatric research at UF's Institute on Aging, Foster looked at groups of rats that had lived to old age.
At the end of the experiment, scientists examined chemical compounds in 41 tissue samples taken from a part of the brain important for balance and movement.
The more active rats were found to have fewer byproducts of oxidative stress in their brains.
Fats known as lipids that help stabilize cell membranes, and DNA, the molecule that contains our genetic blueprint, both better withstood the rigors of time.
"The DNA for these animals after two years looked as if it were from their younger counterparts of only about 6 months of age," Foster said.
"Put an exercise wheel in a rat cage and a rat will zoom around on that thing all the time, unless it's sleeping.
But putting an exercise machine in your family room doesn't mean you're going to use it."
The next step in the research is to determine which natural chemicals and mechanisms are triggered by exercise to fight oxidative stress, and to test whether reducing the stress actually improves brain function.
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