Walk your way to a sharper mind: How 40 minutes of walking boosts brain size
An exercise as simple as walking increases the size of your brain. Shocking! Isn't it?
Walking, specifically, can significantly increase the volume of the hippocampus, a key part of the brain that is responsible for memory, and improve cognitive ability in older people, says a pioneering study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
The research opens the door to a simple, cheap method to stop age-related cognitive decline.
During the course of a year, the research followed a cohort of seniors aged between 55 and 80. Participants were split into two groups: the control group undertook stretching and toning exercises, while the other group did regular cardiovascular activity (in this instance, 40 minutes of walking three times per week). MRI scans at the end of the trial showed that the size of the hippocampus in the walking group, which is typically expected to shrink with age, grew by an average of 2%.
Why is this finding so significant?
An important part of memory creation and recall is the hippocampus. It is also one of the first regions to be affected by Alzheimer's disease. This research discredits the popular opinion that memory loss is a part of the natural ageing process. It proves that throughout elderly life, the brain remains capable of changing and being improved with mild exercise.
In addition, walking improves intellectual function as well as brain expansion.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here]
Esseps
Learn More
Undo
Control participants who walked regularly demonstrated superior memory function and increased processing rates. Walking, as the researchers say, increases blood flow to the brain, stimulates growth hormone production, and promotes the growth of new synapses—all supporting a healthier, stronger brain.
Brisk walking (and not a leisure walk) is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your immune health.
Walking is low-impact, accessible, and cost-free, compared to more intense exercise. Neither gym membership nor specialised equipment is required.
Walking provides a pathway to enhanced brain health for everyone, including older individuals who may have diminished stamina or mobility.
Walking is good for the mind and the body, and more study is needed to establish the optimal intensity and duration of walking for cognitive gain.
The next time you slip on your shoes and take a walk, remember that you're investing in your brain as well as getting some fresh air. It may only require 40 minutes a couple of times a week to maintain a young brain, enhance cognitive function, and preserve your memory. It's never too early, or too late, to begin the journey towards mental acuity.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Cataract remains a leading cause of preventable blindness due to delayed treatment and misconceptions
New Delhi: Cataract remains a significant source of preventable blindness, especially for elderly individuals. Unfortunately, many Indians postpone treatment because of widespread misconceptions and insufficient knowledge. In light of June being Cataract Awareness Month, health experts said detecting cataracts early could prevent unnecessary vision loss. Worldwide statistics indicate that cataract is responsible for 33% of blindness cases. In India, cataract accounts for more than 66% of cases of blindness. Dispelling common myths about cataracts, Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, chairman & medical director, Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, explained, "Many people delay surgery due to myths and fears. A common myth is that cataracts only affect the elderly. While ageing is a major factor, cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, steroid use, UV exposure, trauma, and even affect children. Another myth is that eyedrops, diet or exercises can cure cataracts, but scientific evidence supports surgery as the only effective treatment. " You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Explaining what causes the eye lens to cloud, Dr Rinky Anand Gupta, associate director, ophthalmology (cataract & refractive surgery), Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, said that cataract was the result mainly of ageing, with protein breakdown in the lens occurring over time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like CUPRA Terramar Impulse e-HYBRID CUPRA Configura Auto Undo Additional risk factors include diabetes, UV light exposure, smoking, eye injuries, steroid usage, and genetic predisposition. Some infants may develop congenital cataracts. Talking about the age group mainly affected, Dr Ashu Agarwal, senior ophthalmology consultant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said that while cataracts predominantly affected those over 60 years, lens clouding can develop earlier in individuals with specific risk factors like diabetes, trauma or family history. Congenital cataracts occur rarely in newborns. Due to increasing lifestyle-related risks, early-onset cataracts are now seen in adults as young as 40. "The decision to undergo cataract surgery should be based on how the condition affects one's daily activities," said Agarwal. "When tasks like reading, operating a vehicle or identifying people become challenging and impact lifestyle negatively, surgical intervention should be considered. Contemporary surgical techniques have advanced significantly, enabling successful treatment in early stages without waiting for complete cataract maturation. " Dr Anil Solanki, associate consultant, ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, indicated that mature cataract caused blindness and potentially angle closure glaucoma, leading to permanent vision loss, with surgery was the only viable treatment. Dr Sachdev assured that cataract surgery was among the safest medical procedures, performed under local anaesthesia with minimal discomfort and swift healing. Modern surgery doesn't necessarily require permanent spectacle use. Healthcare professionals said that advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), including extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses, provided excellent vision at various distances while reducing spectacle dependency. Addressing the outdated beliefs is essential for encouraging timely treatment, they said. Contemporary cataract surgery offers a secure, efficient solution for vision restoration and professional consultation should be sought when initial symptoms show up.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
No road, ailing woman carried on cot to hospital in Simdega
Gumla: A 65-year-old woman from a remote village in Simdega was carried on a cot for nearly four kilometres to reach the nearest roadhead for her onward journey to the hospital due to lack of a pucca road. On Saturday, Gango Devi of Chundiyari village developed a severe back pain after taking a fall at her home. The lack of a road in their village meant an ambulance could not reach her doorstep. Locals of the village then stepped forward to help. They carried Gango on a cot and trekked through the undulating terrain to reach the state highway at Barpani. With the ambulance parked at the highway having broken down, locals then pooled money, hired a private ambulance and took her to the hospital. Jyoti Prakash Kullu, the mukhiya of Keshalpur panchayat, said this was not the first such instance. "On April 16, a pregnant woman from the same village was carried on cot to the roadhead and then to a hospital. Despite the issue being flagged several times, local elected public representatives and govt officials have been ignorant," he said. Besides Chundiyari, adjoining villages in Pakartarn panchayat are also facing the same problem. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 「たった10秒」ぽっこりお腹やってみて！ 大正製薬 続きを読む Undo "No proposal has been made for building a road. Neither has an engineer visited the area," Rajat Lakra, mukhiya of Pakartarn panchayat, said. As the video clip of Gango went viral, BJP's state president Babulal Marandi criticised the state health department. Stating that such an incident was shameful, Marandi wrote on X, "It is a shame that such incidents are happening when the Hemant Soren govt had allocated Rs 3,497 crore for health and Rs 5,300 crore on road and bridge infrastructure. Where did all this money go? We know the answer to that." Stating that the incident had exposed the prevalent corruption in state, Marandi asked Hemant to ensure that such a thing is not repeated. Responding to Marandi's allegation, state health minister Irfan Ansari said, "The terrain is hilly and hence ambulance cannot reach Chundiyari village. I have rolled out a bike ambulance scheme to ensure people in far flung areas get the benefits of health services. Change will to show on the ground gradually." With inputs from Ranchi
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Focus on fresh food, diet to keep obesity at bay in kids: Expert
Nagpur: "Today, it's tough to find a normal, lean child in many classrooms in schools," said Dr Jayesh Timane, a well-known general physician, on Sunday. Dr Timane, who took over as the new secretary of the Association of Physicians of India (API), Vidarbha chapter, on Sunday, highlighted alarming health trends among children, revealing that eight out of ten kids in the city are overweight, leading to serious sleep problems and other illnesses. Speaking at a special public forum on 'Obesity and Sleep Apnea', Dr Timane warned that obesity is making it difficult for many children to sleep properly. "Less sleep causes many ailments," he explained. He urged people to avoid packaged and processed foods, saying, "Indians must understand that such food is not meant for our genes. We should focus on fresh food, less food. Otherwise, the next generation may be born with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases, passed on by their own ailing parents." The public forum saw renowned experts like Dr PK Deshpande and Dr Shankar Khobragade engaging with citizens to raise awareness about these vital health issues. Earlier, the installation ceremony and scientific programme of API was held in two sessions. The event was coordinated by Dr Sandeep Kharkar, scientific programme coordinator, and reflected API Vidarbha's motto: 'Pursuing Knowledge… Nurturing Compassion!' The highlight of the day was the presidential oration by API Vidarbha chairman Dr Jayraj S Korpe on the topic 'Rescuing Renal Impairment'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Dr Korpe also emphasised the importance of the family physician concept. "The idea of having a family doctor for every household is crucial. We will work towards reviving this essential practice," he said. Adding to the celebratory spirit, Nagpur's senior physician Dr SD Zawar was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri Dr BS Chaube Best Teacher's Award for his significant contributions to medical teaching. The scientific sessions covered challenging topics, including unique cases of Myxedema Madness, Pulmonary Renal Syndrome, and other rare diagnostic dilemmas. Experts like Prof Dr Mangesh Tiwaskar shared insights on the rational use of antibiotics, while Dr Narayan Deogaonkar spoke on managing high blood sugar. A lively panel discussion on the latest ADA guidelines featured eminent speakers, including Dr Milind Nadkar and Dr Agam Vora. Obese kids and sleep apnea * 8 out of 10 children in city schools overweight * Obese children often can't sleep properly, leading to tiredness and poor health * Lack of sleep from obesity can cause diabetes and high blood pressure * Experts say packaged and processed food harming kids and should be avoided * Healthy eating and weight control key to preventing sleep apnea and future diseases
