Fit Body, Fit Brain

Early-stage Alzheimer’s patients have a new incentive to get moving. A University of Kansas study found that patients who were fit had four times less brain shrinkage (meaning cell death) than those who were out of shape. The benefits of exercise, including changes in growth factors and increased blood vessels and blood flow, may prevent brain cells from dying. Researchers suggest first-time exercisers begin with a 15- to 30-minute walk three times a week.

For sedentary desk jockeys (I’m suddenly thinking of writers like myself), this can be important news.  For those of us who spend much of our days tapping away at keyboards, it now appears that just stretching our brains with creative thought isn’t enough.  This Study tells us that moving our bodies is as important as penciling in that daily crossword puzzle or Sudoku, using our writer’s imagination or spending hours performing deep research.

Apparently, we are not meant to be still photography subjects.  We are better suited to be rolling stones, moving through our days kinetically as well as statically.  This is difficult news for the likes of someone like me.  A cup of steaming coffee next to my computer and a comfy-soft chair gliding me through the day is what suits me.  The only tug and pull of activity is that of locating words in the right order.  Instinctively, I know that the movement of body serves as a guide for the mind.  In practice, however, I’m the Master of Excuse when it comes to exercise.  Maybe it’s the word, exercise that pulls up visions of discomfort and hard work.

I’d like to try, though.  I’d like my body to find its layers of intelligence the same as I’m able to locate in my mind.  It’s like taking a warm and inviting house and adding some “curb appeal” in order to have a complete package.

As the University of Kansas Study suggests, walking is one way to begin this outer/inner transformation.  On those days when the weather is unfavorable for a nice outdoor walk, I have a walking DVD to plug in.  I can also turn on some lively music and DANCE!

The point is to move the body in concert with the mind, to create a symphony of health, to invigorate the brain by inviting in some exercise.  Apparently, when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, the whole IS greater than the sum of its parts.