Exercise and computer games reduce memory problems: research
LONDON -- Using a computer and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of memory problems by 75 per cent a study has found.
[This intro is vague... is it saying that one must "multitask" and use a computer AND exercise at the same time in order to benefit? But I digress. Read on...]
Researchers found [that] elderly people who took part in moderate exercise and used a computer are less likely [sigh... I would rephrase the part in bold as "who take part in moderate exercise and who use a computer are less likely"] to suffer memory problems that can be a precursor to dementia.
The study involved 926 people aged between 70 and 93 who completed questionnaires about their lifestyle over the previous year.
The Daily Telegraph reported that moderate physical exercise was defined as brisk walking, hiking, aerobics, strength training, golfing without a golf cart, swimming, doubles tennis, yoga, martial arts, using exercise machines and weightlifting. However the research paper did not stipulate how often the participants exercised.
Study author Dr Yonas Geda, a physician scientist with Mayo Clinic in Arizona, said: "The ageing of baby boomers is projected to lead to dramatic increases in the prevalence of dementia. [That's why I'm putting this article here!]
"As frequent computer use has becoming increasingly common among all age groups, it is important to examine how it relates to ageing and dementia. Our study further adds to this discussion."
Of the study participants who did not exercise and [who] did not use a computer, 20.1 per cent were cognitively normal and 37.6 per cent showed signs of mild cognitive impairment [MCI]. Of the participants who both exercise and use a computer, 36 percent were cognitively normal and 18.3 percent showed signs of MCI.
Dr Marie Janson of Alzheimer's Research UK, the United Kingdom's leading dementia research charity, said: "This study adds to the growing evidence that lifestyle factors may have an impact on our cognition as we age. The research suggests that keeping our bodies and our brains active in later life could have combined benefits in helping to stave off cognitive decline, and it would be interesting to see if the volunteers were also protected against dementia.
"Further research will be needed to be conclusive about these whether these activities are having a beneficial effect, and if they are, exactly how they are protective. This kind of study is costly, in a dementia research field that remains hugely underfunded. If we are to find the answers that are so desperately needed, we must invest in more research now." -- AGENCIES
[Hello, Singapore's A*Star, are you reading this?... please fund a similar local study. I'm happy to volunteer!]
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Since even baby boomers are busy people, after we have exercised -- and have settled down in front of our computer to write, say, our blog, we should indeed "multitask", as suggested by this headline below and this picture below:
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Btw, since we have decided that physical activity is important for our well-being, today's "Insanity Streak" cartoon -- in ST's Life! Section -- is very good:
Of the study participants who did not exercise and [who] did not use a computer, 20.1 per cent were cognitively normal and 37.6 per cent showed signs of mild cognitive impairment [MCI]. Of the participants who both exercise and use a computer, 36 percent were cognitively normal and 18.3 percent showed signs of MCI.
Dr Marie Janson of Alzheimer's Research UK, the United Kingdom's leading dementia research charity, said: "This study adds to the growing evidence that lifestyle factors may have an impact on our cognition as we age. The research suggests that keeping our bodies and our brains active in later life could have combined benefits in helping to stave off cognitive decline, and it would be interesting to see if the volunteers were also protected against dementia.
"Further research will be needed to be conclusive about these whether these activities are having a beneficial effect, and if they are, exactly how they are protective. This kind of study is costly, in a dementia research field that remains hugely underfunded. If we are to find the answers that are so desperately needed, we must invest in more research now." -- AGENCIES
[Hello, Singapore's A*Star, are you reading this?... please fund a similar local study. I'm happy to volunteer!]
-------------------------------------------
Since even baby boomers are busy people, after we have exercised -- and have settled down in front of our computer to write, say, our blog, we should indeed "multitask", as suggested by this headline below and this picture below:
------------------------------------------------------------
Btw, since we have decided that physical activity is important for our well-being, today's "Insanity Streak" cartoon -- in ST's Life! Section -- is very good:
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