Always Losing Your Keys? Forgetting People's Names? This May Be the Hidden Cause ...
By: Bean Jones
If you find yourself searching for your keys all the time or struggling to remember people's names, then you may not be getting enough exercise.
In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2007, researchers at Columbia University Medical Center reported that exercise "appears to stimulate the growth of new brain cells in the region linked with memory."
Scientists studied the magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRIs) of the brains of 11 healthy adults, taken before and after their assigned aerobic exercise programs, and found that the number of memory cells do increase after their subjects worked out.
"Our next step is to identify the exercise regimen that is most beneficial to improve cognition and reduce memory loss, so that physicians may be able to prescribe specific types of exercise to improve memory," said lead researcher Dr. Scott Small.
If you ask me, I think running could be the ultimate brain-boosting exercise. In 2001, scientists at The Salk Institute found that running could boost brain cell survival in mice with neurodegenerative disease.
Carrolee Barlow, a Salk assistant professor and lead author of the study, explained: "When these mice are sedentary, it appears that most newly born brain cells die. Running appears to 'rescue' many of these cells that would otherwise die." Barlow also added that "the miles logged correlated directly with the numbers of increased cells."
Well, if it's good enough for mice, then it's good enough for men, right? No wonder I had trouble memorizing phone numbers when I quit running for a few months. So, by all means, if it's physically possible, I'd advise people to take up running. It won't just help you get fit, it'll most likely sharpen your memory, too. Or, at the very least, you'd be more in touch with your keys and acquaintances.
Note from Mark: If you have joint issues, check with a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a running program. It can really hammer your joints, especially if your form is off. Get some coaching from a qualified professional or try something low-impact if you don't have access to one.
Comments
Quite amazed that your email would come about exercise and memory - I have just finished reading Change Your Brain Change Your Life By Dr. Daniel Amen and then followed up with Barry Sears books "The Zone" and both have plenty to say about exercise and the brain!!!! I am an artist and i stand alot painting or sit at the computer - walking around easel to computer is not a great distance - and looking for my keys could certainly be thrown in too, Thank you very much for this 'encouragement' I will get started!!!!
I can't imagine a lot of people always forgotten much be very difficult and frustrated.
Nelly
Does walking or bicycling give the same benefits as running ?
Please do a search on running. I used to run an hour or more everyday. Now I walk real fast. The same heart rates are possible without beating your body because your form is off. Too many trained athletes die young. Living to be 150 and playing golf the day you check out is a destination. Running to get there... doubtful.
Exercise is great. However, there is a proven on purpose cell renewal product that improves short term, long term, brain reaction time and mood. And people can experience this for themselves by drinking this "gift". And they can go online and see for themselves the results as well.
does watching people run count?
interesting but i expect running does more harm to other parts of the body than good for the brain...walking in good air,biking or exercise sure....i found colloidal gold did more good for my brain than anything else i had tried.hey its an interesting perspective sure
Hi, thanks for this article.
Your title really describe what I am facing.
I though it's because of some kind of unknown disease I suffered :D
Pleas keep on supply us with great informations! :)
Can you suggest other exercise aside from running? I am 56 years old and I don't think I can still run the way I used to.
Thanks for the info. on exercise and how it can help keep your brain active.
Many times I was heading for the Tread Mill and got distracted with some chore or phone call. Then I forgot what it was I was supposed to do.
At least I do Crosswords and Reading to keep my brain active. Exercise will now be a higher priority after this helpful post.
Thanks for the useful information...as always.
Thanks for your news. I too forget people's name .
I cannot run,but I will try to walk fast.
Sr. pat
Bobby Fisher won the world chess championship from a Russian some 40 years ago. When he was competing he worked out 3 to 5 hours a day so his mind would be sharp! We are all one body. Exercise helps the whole!
Hi! I was reading some of the comments about running. I'm also 56 and one of those who aren't able to run. I thought I'd share what I can do and which also seems to help my brain cells. To keep healthy and moving I dance, do Tai Chai, Pilates and Kundalini Yoga. I get bored easily, so I switch them around. It helps me stay motivated, energized and alive!
Best Regards,
Jan
This is useful and insightful. Good post Bean!
Excersize is important, and you have wonderfully peeled off that secret in you post.
I believe that short term memory has a lot to do with forgetting something such as Phone number or name of the people. We can improve our cognition and long term memory by paying attention to the subject and coding it to be filed in long term memory, by using these data more frequently and reading books and newspaper on daily basis we could improve our memory. Walkin ,jogging ,running also can imorove all the entire body system as well as momory.
I am amazed to know the connection between running and memory. I am 60 and I can still run. I do static running. I hope it will give same benefits as running.
I just read the article and found it very interesting and informative.
Unfortunately... I've forgotten everything already!
Interesting post, thanks.
I would say that any exercise is good. Running probably worked for the mice, since the scientists could not really find any other exercise for them. It's not like mice can ride a bike or use an elliptic trainer, right?
The most important thing to remember in order to be effective my work out are these 4 points:
1/ Intensity: the higher, the better the workout and the shorter the time required to work out.
2/ Range of motion: the farther a muscle needs to stretch and release force, the more it works (walking a flight of 4 steps at a time requires more work from the muscles)
3/ Anaerobic versus aerobic: anaerobic training (where you are basically working harder than you can breathe, so you can only do this for a short while) burns more calories over time and releases more endorpins
4/ Big muscle groups: exercises requiring the larger muscle groups to work are more effective: glutes (butt) & legs.
Last point: whatever it is you do, JUST DO IT!
Thanks for your information. Actually I was getting lazy about doing physical exercise. I am not sure that will increase my memory regards names, but anyway, I will try, it only will benefit me!
Gosh I have been having hard time lately remembering the names of people even officemates. Guess need to start a new exercise regimen. Thanks for the post.
timely piece mark, lately i have found myself forgetful and really sluggish in my thinking..physically i have been feeling the same. Could it be the mind body connection that demands an equilibrium between the two? A running program no doubt will boost energy and endurance..Would be interested in yours and Marks thoughts as they relate to human behaviour and psychology...would starting a new fitness regime have a change in peoples attitudes and reinvigorate old forgotten goals?
Thanks for the reminder about exercising and memory. I knew that info, but conveniently forgot. Not everyone is a runner, as I learned while serving in the US Army. PT just about killed me when it came to running. My poor joints still hurt from the stress 18 yrs later. However, there are many ways to increase heart rate and pump good stuff to the brain without beating the body up. I like using T-Tapp because it is ZERO impact. Anyway, thanks for posting articles like this one because it makes me remember to take care of my body.
I don't have joint issues
Why do you say I have to check with a phisioterapyst before starting a running program?
Interesting article Mark.
I wonder if regular yoga and tai-chi may also help?
Cheryl
I was aware of this and I remember reading...oh dear...I forget where, that people lost significant amounts of IQ over long vacations. Idleness is a killer.
Get the blood to your brain, stand on your head.
Interesting findings...surely beneficial for me , as I was trying to figure out why all of a sudden I am starting to forget things,not specifically names but simple things like something that I kept almost a minute ago, yet at the same time I could describe incidents part by part that probably happend years ago. What would explain that ? Could there be other reasons as well , stress perhaps ?
I think it's all about your oxygen intake.
The more you exercise, the more you body takes in the oxygen. The more oxygen your brain takes, the better it will be.
Great info. I just dusted off my fitness flyer For people who really don't have a safe or convenient place to run. You might want to try getting a new or used fitness flyer somewhere. Or the Gazel from Tony Little. Don't forget to hydrate with water
Congratulations Boston
I like to root for the underdog,but you deserved your win
As for loosing keys and forgetting where I put things. I guess at 75 I have an excuse. BUT I forgot 20 yrs. ago too.
Congratulations to the Celtics on their win. It was an exciting contest all the way.
Congrats Celtics
Right on, some great information here. Forgetting runs in the family. I can't seem to get away from the house without going back in for something.
I enjoy working out doors or in my shop. But running is out of the question for me. I take vitamins and try to stay on a healthy diet. No doctors and 71 years young.
I owe a lot to handling stress in a positive manner. Most of my life was spent outdoors working and playing.
Being outdoors has a lot to do with your health, mind body and spirit. The fresh air, the freedom to think or even forget (problems) is great mental freshness for the brain. Walking and running if you can. Loose weight if you have fat excess.
There are vitamins available to help your brain functions.
Thanks
Cecil