Alice RD
Could more exercise make you smarter? Yes, according to a large population study that showed a positive association between cardiovascular fitness and cognitive performance.
The authors looked at information from more than 1 million men from Sweden born between 1950 and 1976. They analyzed the physical activity and intelligence measures in these men at age 15 and again at age 18. Improved cardiovascular fitness at age 18 was associated with improvements in logical, verbal and other aspects of intelligence.
These results held even after adjusting for genetics and shared environment. The authors caution that since only men were included in the study, the results might not be applicable to women.
So, whether you want to get better grades, wow your boss, or just feel better, AICR has some ideas to help you start and maintain your physical activity this holiday season.
AICR’s expert panel found convincing evidence that physical activity decreases risk for colon cancer, probably decreases risk for post menopausal breast cancer and cancer of the endometrium. Check our earlier blog postings from the AICR Research Conference on physical activity – how it impacts cancer prevention and survival and how we can improve our sedentary habits.
