Activity a Major Part of Brain Health

A new study shows that brain recovery occurs more easily after a traumatic accident or stroke when exercise is utilized. The findings of this study have been back up by previous research, but the bulk of that research revolves around prevention, and not treatment. Exercise has been shown to help increase cognitive functioning and has even been cited as a possible way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. This study is unique in the approach that it took to improving brain health, but fits in with the preexisting thought regarding how exercise is helpful for the brain.

 

This particular study was conducted by the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University in New York City. Looking at lab mice, they found that brain damage was better treated by re-engaging the brain after the trauma took place, rather than allowing for a lengthy period of rest. This particular study was part of a larger, multi-year study that examined how brain health and healing can be improved. Their findings were published earlier in September in the journal Nature. Basically, mice seemed more confused and had difficulty with tasks when extended rest was given as compared to jumping right back into activity. How this impacts humans isn’t 100 percent clear yet.

 

Activity might be far more beneficial to brain recovery after a stroke than once thought.

 

It can be easy to think that rest is good for us. In many ways, rest is vital to our health, recovery, and state of mind. But when brain damage has occurred, either because of a stroke or something else, physical activity is crucial for a quicker and more effective recovery. Rest is necessary, but when it comes to healing the brain, it is not nearly as effective as getting back into the swing of things.

 

The good news is that there is that there might be a new and more effective method of helping to treat brain injuries and help stroke patients to recover more effectively than was once being used. The brain is incredibly complex, and there’s still more research in this area that will be needed, but even baby steps forward can help us to more effectively care for the people that we love that are suffering from such a condition. Hopefully, this is just one of many signs of progress that will be made when it comes to helping stroke victims fully recover.

 

Of course, exercise can take quite a while to work when it comes to recovery. A doctor will likely also recommend other methods of treatment while this is going on, too. If you have questions about how best to help a loved one, get in touch with a doctor today.

 

And, if you are looking for a caregiver while your loved one is recovering, reaching out for a professional in this field will be beneficial to you. At Paradise In-Home Care, we employ trained caregivers that specialize in working with stroke patients to assist them around the house and help them to make it through their day safely. If you have questions about how our services can make life easier for your family, give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.

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