Golf, walking, and brains
A recent study was conducted on a group of healthy golfers who were aged 65 and older. The study involved three different exercise sessions. In one session, the participants played an 18-hole round of golf, in another session, they completed 6 km of Nordic walking, and in the third session, they did 6 km of brisk regular walking.
After each exercise session, the participants' cognitive function was assessed, and blood samples were collected to measure their blood levels of factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB). These chemicals are known to reflect the benefits of exercise on the brain.
The results of the study showed that a single session of any of the exercises resulted in improved cognitive function measures. However, there were no significant effects on BDNF or CTSB. The findings of the study highlight the importance of age-appropriate exercise in maintaining and improving cognitive function in older adults. Source: BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine.
Omega-3 for lungs
Omega-3 fatty acids have established anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, they might help treat inflammatory lung conditions. While the topic is yet to be extensively studied, a recent study looked at data from over 15,000 people who were followed for an average of seven years, and up to 20 years. The research indicated that people with higher levels of omega-3 fats in their blood had a lower rate of lung infections.
The study found that the strongest relationship was with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is commonly found in fish such as tuna, sardines, and salmon. A second study, conducted on 500,000 people by the same researchers, revealed that higher levels of omega-3s are associated with better lung function. The researchers believe that it is the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s that are responsible for these lung benefits.
Alzheimer's and the gut
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that results in the loss of memory function and other cognitive abilities significant enough to interfere with daily life. It is the most common cause of dementia. Shockingly, one in three people born today is likely to develop Alzheimer's. Research has shown that Alzheimer's patients have higher levels of inflammation-promoting bacteria in their stool samples, and these levels are directly linked to their cognitive state. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's is typically diagnosed after the onset of symptoms. However, a recent study has established a causal link between the microbiome (the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms in your gut) and the development of Alzheimer's. Since the microbiome is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors, the researchers are hopeful that these findings may pave the way for preventive interventions for Alzheimer's. The source of this information is the Brain. Source: Brain