Being physically active brings about more benefits than one could ever deny.
But just as we thought it could not get any better, researchers discovered that when you engage in a moderate to intense exercise regularly, your brain may be protected from small brain lesions known as “silent strokes”.
Is Silent Stroke and Stroke the same?
We know most people might confuse small brain lesion with the actual stroke, but the reason why it is called “silent stroke” is because it does not give an outward symptom.
That is why most people who suffer from small brain lesion are not aware of what is taking place.
Even when they show no outward symptoms, the damages to the brain are what’s more alarming because they are often the first sign that the brains’ blood vessels have accumulated damages and once the blood supply to the tiny tissue of the brain is disrupted, it often results in a permanent damage to the brain neurons.
Small brain lesions increase both the chances of a future major risk such as stroke and may lead to risks of dementia and cognitive decline.
"Silent strokes' are more significant than the name implies because they have been associated with an increased risk of falls and impaired mobility, memory problems and even dementia, as well as stroke," said study author Joshua Z. Willey, MD, MS, of Columbia University in New York and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.
How does regular exercise help prevent Silent Stroke?
According to a six-year study conducted by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), out of 1,238 people who engaged in moderate to intense exercise, 40 percent were less likely to have silent strokes than those who did no regular exercise.
But this does not directly apply to those who engaged in light exercises as they show no difference when compared to people who did not exercise.
When one exercise, the blood supply to the brain increases.
Thus, encouraging old and young people alike, to engage in regular, moderate to high-intensity exercise may be an important strategy to help them keep their brains healthy.
So, don't forget to sweat it out today!
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References:
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ScienceDaily. (2011). Moderate to intense exercise may protect the brain. [online] Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110608171442.htm.
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Troup County Health Department. (2018). Regular Exercise Helps Protect the Brain from Silent Strokes - Troup County Health Department. [online] Available at: http://www.troupcohealth.org/regular-exercise-helps-protect-the-brain-from-silent-strokes/.
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Ahealthblog.com. (2019). Regular Exercise Helps Protect The Brain From Silent Strokes (STUDY). [online] Available at: https://www.ahealthblog.com/regular-exercise-helps-protect-the-brain-from-silent-strokes-study.html.
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