If you want to save your memory, run!

Running helps to increase the number of neurons in the hippocampus

Ivan Sychev, Geektimes based on the materials of the Academy of Finland: Sustained aerobic exercise increases adult neurogenesis in the brain

A team of scientists from Finland has proved that aerobic exercises like running can increase the number of neurons in the hippocampus – the part of the brain that is responsible for the transfer of data from short-term memory to long-term memory. Scientists have been trying to figure out what exactly will have a greater impact on neurogenesis – high-intensity interval training or anaerobic exercise.

Scientists from the University of Jyvaskyl studied the effect of running, high-intensity interval training and resistance exercises on the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus of adult male rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment, as well as genetically modified animals with a high or low response to aerobic exercise. The training periods lasted from six to eight weeks, during which half of the control group was in normal conditions in home cages.

As a result, the highest number of new neurons in the hippocampus was found in rats that ran long distances, having a predisposition to respond to aerobic exercise. Compared to the control group, who at that time lived a normal life, the runner rats had 2-3 times more neurons in this part of the brain by the end of the experiment. The indicators from the other two types of exercise were low, from which the scientists concluded that only aerobic exercise can greatly increase the number of neurons in the hippocampus of adult animals.

The hippocampus is involved in memory consolidation – this is the transition from short-term memory to long-term memory. Increasing the number of neurons in this part of the brain, including in humans, will have a positive impact on learning opportunities.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru 17.02.2015