Proactive Anti-Aging – Brain Power - Does White Matter Really Matter?

 

 

 

 

Here’s another reason to keep active. Studies show that older adults who are active regardless of type (light, moderate of vigorous) have more white matter in the structure of their brains. But what does this mean? White matter connects the grey matter (cell bodies) of our brains and carries nerve impulses between the nerves. More white matter increases the speed of the transmission. Those with more white matter scored higher on mental test than those with less. What scientist discovered was those with more white matter had more brain variability. Brain variability is associated with greater cognitive functioning. Scientist used blood oxygen levels to measure cognitive  functioning of older adults and found that it’s not how hard you work, but how active you are that counts when it comes to increased brain power.

So go ahead and thumb your nose at all those young tech savvy kids sitting for hours glued to their computers and smart phones. Get moving and grooving and you will add variability to your thought processes at accelerated speed because when it comes to the brain power (and wisdom) white matter matters!

Doctor Lynn

http://www.facebook.com/DrLynnAnderson