Increase Brainpower by Walking

 

Mehmet C. Oz, MD, and Michael F. Roizen, MD

Forgetting things? Can't remember where you put that dang whatchamacallit? Listen up. We have something for you that can do what no drug on the market can: improve your memory and even ward off Alzheimer's. It won't cost you a dime. Ready?

Walk out the door. (Wait! Finish reading this first.)

Yep, it's that simple. Put one foot in front of the other for 30 minutes a day and you'll cut your risk of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, the ultimate memory thief, by 50%, according to a study. Even if you already have early signs of cognitive decline or Alzheimer's, walking 5 miles a week could put the skids on that.

7 ways to prevent Alzheimer's 

So how does a walk around the block turn aging brain cells into whiz kids?

Strolling makes your brain bigger. And with this organ, size does matter. Increased blood flow to your neurons from even mild aerobic activity prevents the brain shrinkage that occurs with age and accelerates with Alzheimer's. Walking sends fresh oxygen and blood straight to the parts of the brain that keep you witty and clever enough to actually remember a punch line.

Brain food for thought

Boosting brainpower isn't the only benefit. Walking perks up your mood, adds energy, cuts your chances of diabetes, and sparks your sex life (keeping blood flowing to that other organ where size may or may not matter). Even slow walkers have fewer heart attacks and strokes than couch potatoes do.

Need inspiration? Take a walk down memory lane.

Age Benefits

Walking at least 20 minutes a day can make your RealAge as much as 1.9 years younger if you're a woman and 1.2 years younger if you're a man.

February, 2011