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We know it's a good thing for physical health. Now a new study reports that long-term physical activity, particularly walking, will help boost your brain power. The study from the Harvard School of Public Health looked at more than 18,000 women ages 70 to 81 during a period of approximately 18 years and concluded that long-term regular physical activity, including walking, sharpens memory and increases learning ability and attention span. Perhaps the best news is that the study found walking at an easy pace was sufficient for positive results. The key was frequency. According to lead researcher, Jennifer Weuve, MPH, ScD, the cognitive benefits first became apparent with two hours of easy-paced walking per week. Weuve defines an easy pace as taking about 20 or 30 minutes to cover a mile. Walking six hours a week at an easy pace, or expending the same amount of energy at another exercise, is associated with the most benefits, according to Weuve. How does walking promote brain health? Once again, according to Weuve, regular physical activity benefits the cardiovascular system. Better cardiovascular health is related to better cognitive function. Physical activity also appears to have a direct effect on the brain itself. It appears to promote the production of chemicals in the brain, called nerve growth factors, that improve the brain cells' survival and growth.
