Page 78 - Javanan Magazine Issue # 1901

PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUE No. 1900
PSYCHOLOGICAL
ISSUE No. 1856
PERSPECTIVES
PERSPECTIVES JAVANAN
JAVANAN
Dr. Alan A.
Modarressi LOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Clinical and A SOCIOCULTURAL AND MIND AND BODY OUTLOOK
Neuro-Psychologyst
In this column, we examine the mental health issues in the context
of social, culture, and physiological concerns of the Iranian community

s child perhaps you heard HOW EXERCISE AFFECTS YOUR BRAIN SIZE
from some adults or even
Acertain teachers that peo- New Research Reveals Surprising Connection
ple exercise a lot their brains may
shrink. However, a recent interna-
tional study by researchers from the
Pacific Neuroscience Institute Brain
Health Center and Washington Uni-
versity in St Louis discovered a
strong connection between regular
exercise and the size of crucial brain
regions linked to memory and learn-
ing.
Analyzing MRI scans of 10,125
people, the study revealed that even
modest physical activity, like taking
fewer than 4,000 steps a day, had a
positive impact on the brain. Those
who walked or ran showed larger
volumes in areas responsible for
decision-making and memory.
This implies that setting achiev-
able exercise goals, such as walk-
ing, can significantly benefit cogni-
tive health by influencing key brain
regions.
The research, detailed in the paper
"Exercise-Related Physical Activity
Relates to Brain Volumes in 10,125
Individuals," was published this
week in the Journal of Alzheimer's
Disease.
Their research supports earlier
studies that show being physically
active is good for your brain. Exer-
cise not only lowers the risk of de-
mentia but also helps in maintaining ple study furthers our understanding national study that included a team connection offer the proven benefits
brain size, which is crucial as we of lifestyle factors in brain health of clinical researchers from Pa- of drug-free modifiable factors in
age. and dementia prevention." cific Neuroscience Institute’s Brain substantially reducing Alzheimer’s
They found that even moderate This research offers a practical ap- Health Center, located at Providence disease.
levels of physical activity, such as proach to dementia prevention and Saint John’s Health Center. With comprehensive imaging
taking fewer than 4,000 steps a day, brain health maintenance. A Lancet Study in 2020 found scans, our study underscores the
can have a positive effect on brain Key Facts: Regular exercise is about a dozen modifiable risk fac- interconnected synergy between
health. This is much less than the of- linked to increased brain volumes in tors increase risk for Alzheimer’s the body and the brain. It echoes
ten-suggested 10,000 steps, making areas critical for memory and infor- disease, including physical activ- the knowledge of past generations,
it a more achievable goal for many mation processing. ity. This work builds upon previous showcasing that increased physical
people.
Study co-author Somayeh Meysa- The study contributes to the un- work by this group, linking caloric activity is a predictor of a healthier
mi, MD, assistant professor of neu- derstanding of lifestyle factors in burn from leisure activities to im- aging brain.
rosciences at Saint John's Cancer In- brain health and supports drug-free proved brain structure. This research highlights an easy
stitute and the Pacific Brain Health approaches to reducing Alzheimer’s The present study further dem- way to keep our brains healthy: stay
Center, noted, "Our research links disease risk. onstrates the influence of exercise active! Whether it’s a daily walk or
regular physical activity to larger A fascinating link between regular on brain health imaging and when a favorite sport, regular physical ac-
brain volumes, suggesting neuro- exercise and better brain health has added to other studies on the role tivity can have lasting benefits for
protective benefits. This large sam- been revealed, according to an inter- of diet, stress reduction and social our brain health.

DANESH FOROUGHI, PH.D. Alan Modarressi, PhD, QME
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY13680 Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed Marriage, Family & Child Psychotherapist, MFC23455 Qualified Medical Evaluator
Certified National Board of Addiction Examiners #4974 Certified Psychophsychologist
Tel: (310) 940-3642 Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management
15720 Ventura Blvd., Second Fl. #224 Encino CA 91436 (818) 501-6080 (562) 861-7226

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