Running May Protect The Brain From Silent Strokes

A recent study supports the notion that running is good for you.

The good news continues to pile on for runners: This time a recent study has found that a running (or swimming or biking) may protect the brain from “silent strokes”.

What are silent strokes?

They are small brain lesions that can lead to mental decline and can increase the chances of a future stroke.

“These silent strokes are more significant than the name implies because they have been associated with an increased risk of falls and impaired mobility, memory problems and even dementia, as well as stroke,” says the author of the study, Dr. Joshua Z. Willey of Columbia University.”Encouraging older people to take part in moderate to intense exercise may be an important strategy for keeping their brains healthy.”

For the study, Dr. Willey compiled information on the exercise habits of over 1,200 people who had never had a stroke.

Of this group, 43 percent indicated they did little to no exercise; 36 percent did light physical activity; and 21 percent indicated they did moderate to intense exercise on a regular basis.

For More: U.S. News and World Report