How many steps a day does it take to keep your brain young?

I’ve known for some time that a sedentary lifestyle is not the best way to age well. I know that getting outside for a walk each day will help me stay trim, keep my bones strong, manage my high blood pressure and prevent heart disease and diabetes. I haven’t always acted on this knowledge. Until now. I fear Alzheimer’s and memory loss just as much or more than I fear other health conditions. I’m betting you do, too. When I read the two pieces of research I’m about to share with you, I promised myself I’d start walking daily. I’ve been true to my word. I hope you will be, too. Every footstep sends oxygen to the brain We know that a good, brisk walk can improve your mood, get the blood flowing and help you concentrate better. But there’s more to it than that. Two studies released last year show that, in fact, every step we take actually results in physical changes to the brain that improve our ability to hold on to memories and use them when we need them. A team of researchers at New Mexico Highlands University discovered something seemingly simple, yet vitally important about walking and our brain. They found that the foot’s impact during walking sends pressure waves through the arteries that increase blood supply to the brain. With increased blood flow comes more oxygen to support the brain areas responsible for memory and cognition. Not only that: the researchers found that when we walk briskly, our stride rate (number of steps per minute) and heart rate tend to fall into sync, revealing the vital connection between the two. More steps = a bigger brain, better memory The second important study comes from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the […]

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