Your brain & effects of physical & mental exercise

This issue came up in another thread & there are some very good websites that cover this topic
This one is an excellent & easy to digest site that covers several aspects of this topic - there are
5 links to different parts of the same website as each link is a gem in its own way & each will
appeal to different folk here. I split them out for this reason.

The topics ...
INTRO
1. TOPIC: Journey of the Developing Brain
2. TOPIC: The Science of the Mind-Body Connection
3. TOPIC: Mental Exercise for a Better Brain
4. TOPIC: Physical Exercise for a Better Brain
5. TOPIC: Exercise for Aging Brain Studies

Scroll down for an intro to each section + the link - Enjoy

DSM

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INTRO

Your brain is a thinking organ that learns and grows by interacting with the world through perception and action. Mental stimulation improves brain function and actually protects against cognitive decline, as does physical exercise.

The human brain is able to continually adapt and rewire itself. Even in old age, it can grow new neurons. Severe mental decline is usually caused by disease, whereas most age-related losses in memory or motor skills simply result from inactivity and a lack of mental exercise and stimulation. In other words, use it or lose it.


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1. TOPIC: Journey of the Developing Brain

Only recently have scientists been able to learn how the neural network of the brain forms. Beginning in the womb and throughout life this vast network continues to expand, adapt, and learn. Take a look inside the brain at a cellular level to find out how our three pound universe forms and even how we learn.

http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html#journey

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2. TOPIC: The Science of the Mind-Body Connection

You may have heard the term “mind-body connection” as it applies to remarkable stories of healing without surgery or stress management, but did you know there is actually a physical connection between the brain and muscles? It is called the neuromuscular junction and chemical exchanges that happen at this junction are the key to your ability to move.

http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html#science

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3. TOPIC: Mental Exercise for a Better Brain

When we are young the world seems filled with curious wonders, delightful discoveries, and daunting challenges. Our brains are taking in countless bits of information and we are developing lifetime skills. This burst of learning is like the brain Olympics of our human journey. Yet unlike the Olympic athletes who have a limited time to demonstrate their peak performance, the human brain can continue to grow and improve with exercise.

Here you will find a variety of suggestions and research that can help keep you mentally fit.

http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise. ... alexercise

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4. TOPIC: Physical Exercise for a Better Brain

Most of us know that physical exercise is good for our general health, but did you know that physical exercise is also good for your brain? If you think you’re going to get smarter sitting in front of your computer or watching television, think again. Here scientists present the evidence that a healthy human being is a human doing.

http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise. ... alexercise

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5. TOPIC: Exercise for Aging Brain Studies

Antioxidants attract and gather the free radicals that are associated with many brain maladies. Find out how antioxidants protect your brain and how specific micronutrients benefit your brain. You can also learn how the lack of specific micronutrients can increase the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.

http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise. ... rciseaging

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DSM

Thought this paper would be an interesting extra read for us SDB folk. A wake up call !.
Titled "Brain Death by a Thousand Hypoxic Cuts in Sleep" & by Brian J. Murray, M.D.

(hypoxia = Condition in which tissues are starved of oxygen.)

Summary

Evidence supporting the role of obstructive sleep apnea in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke continues to emerge. Obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for the development of hypertension (1), and hypertension is known to be a significant stroke risk factor. Further recent evidence has identified obstructive sleep apnea as a risk factor for stroke (2), even independent of its association with hypertension and other comorbid conditions (3). Several mechanisms may contribute to the development of ischemic stroke in patients with sleep apnea. For example, a recent study demonstrated that apnea-related hypoxia was associated with systemic inflammation and the progression of carotid atherosclerosis as measured by ultrasound (4).


http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/conte ... /175/6/528