Healthy Aging

Abdul Kadir Mohammed holder oplæg om Healthy Aging, og professor emerita Lene Koch optræder som respondent.

Mødet foregår på engelsk.

Physical activity, brain function, and healthy aging 

Abdul Kadir H. Mohammed, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö; and Strömstad Academy, Strömstad, Sweden 

A growing body of literature indicates physical exercise in animals and humans can have a positive impact on brain function. Physical activity has been found to induce biochemical and anatomical changes in the brain, and improve cognitive function. In animals physical exercise enhances learning, increases neuronal survival, stimulates angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and neurogenesis (formation of new neurons), prolongs life span and maintains cognitive function during aging. In humans it has been found to promote cardiovascular health, reduce risk of stroke, heart disease, obesity, enhance cognitive function, improve performance in tests of verbal memory, and attention and protects against brain atrophy and reduce risk of dementia. Our research has focused on the effects of physical exercise and mental stimulation on healthy aging. We found that physical exercise induces changes in neurotrophin levels which are related to enhanced cognitive function in individuals between 65 and 72 years old Thus in agreement with earlier findings, our studies show physical exercise is an important contributory factor to healthy aging. Since physical activity also promotes cardiovascular health, we conclude “what is good for the heart is good for the brain.