** Physical exercise that improves the cardiovascular state of the body can also protect against degradation of age-related cognitive functions of the brain. This is evidenced by the work of the University of Montreal (Canada) staff, described in the journal Neurobiology of Aging. **
The arteries in our body become more rigid as we get older. It is believed that the loss of elasticity begins with the aorta, the major vessels arising from the heart, and gradually reaching the brain.
"Indeed, such compaction can cause cognitive changes that occur at the same time," said Claudine Gauthier, the first author of the article.
The researchers worked with a control group of 31 people aged 18-30 years, and a core group of 54 test subjects 55-75 years. None of the participants had any problems with physical or mental health that could affect the outcome of the experiment.
The physical state is evaluated by maximum oxygen consumption in a 30-second period with intensive work on the simulator.
To determine the cognitive ability to apply the standard Stroop Psychology Experimental test: the patient is asked to identify the ink color, which is written word for other colors. For example, for the word "red", printed in green ink, the correct answer is green.
Also filmed three MRI scans, one for measuring blood flow in the brain, another - to determine the level of brain activity, and the third - the physical condition to make the aorta. This approach allows to register even very small deviations in practically healthy organisms.
The results show decreased age of executive function (in neuropsychology - a series of high-level processes, which help you track current actions according to the same goals), aortic elasticity and cardiovascular health, as well as positive correlations between aerobic exercise and brain function.
"Although the effects of physical exercise on cerebral vascular tissue may include other, more complex mechanisms, these results support the overall hypothesis that active lifestyles help to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, thus preventing the destruction of brain circulation and leading to the preservation of cognitive abilities over age go on, "Gauthier explained.