Move your body to remain ‘brain sharp’
After travelling the world talking to neuroscientists, Todd Sampson claims brain experts all agree on one thing: “If you can only do one thing for your brain, go for a walk”.
Todd Sampson is part of a veterans’ table tennis team during Brain Awareness Week.
Forty three year old Mr Sampson is part of a veterans’ table tennis team, who is helping the Brain Foundation this week highlight the benefits fitness may have on brain function, as part of Brain Awareness Week.
“Exercise pumps blood into the brain which helps new cell growth, blood vessels, memory circuits and processing. It can halve the risk of dementia and boosts the hippocampus, where Alzheimer’s can develop. To keep your brain sharp as you age exercise is essential,” Mr Sampson says.
The veterans’ team will challenge people to a game of brain boosting table tennis as dancers tango through the crowd, showcasing two great brain health activities.
Some research shows exercise improves memory, cognitive function and mood, and can fight progressive brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Graham Kerr, from the Queensland University of Technology, is researching the benefits of exercise for older people living with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
“The best brain health exercise combines cardio with strategy, coordination and rhythm. It’s not just about fitness, but using and improving different parts of the brain,” Professor Kerr says.
University of Queensland has recently partnered with Queensland Ballet in a Dance for Parkinson’s program.
Sixty two year old, Paul Pinkewich, who is a 13 times Australian Table Tennis Champion, heads the veterans’ team.
“Playing table tennis has kept me sharp,” says Mr Pinkewich, who plays twice a week. “It works the parts of the brain for movement, fine motor skills and strategy. You need fast reflexes and to be able to think ahead.”
Sophia de Lautour is also part of the Brain Awareness Week activities. As a tango dancer, Ms de Lautour once worked in rehabilitation and is a strong advocate for the dance’s benefits.
“Learning tango fires up new neural pathways because it’s a multi-dimensional experience. You’re learning a new language and instrument – your body. The combination of exercise, social interaction and intense focus can help people suffering depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”
Brain Foundation volunteers having been handing out free ‘stress ball’ brains, brain quizzes and information on brain health during the week as part of Brain Awareness Week.
The Brain Foundation is a registered charity that funds research Australia wide into neurological disorders, brain disease and brain injuries. Make a donation towards the Brain Foundation's research programs.
