Scientists have discovered that regular physical activity stimulates a brain protein which they have called “noggin”.
When mice were made to exercise on wheels and negotiate mazes for a week, their noggin levels rose and, according to the scientist leading the research, they became "little mouse geniuses". How does this happen?
As we get older and the brain ages, stem cells become less responsive and do not divide as readily into new brain cells. Because the rate at which we make new cells declines, our memory functions also decline. Noggin seems to have the effect of stimulating the development of new nerve cells in the brain, thus counteracting the age-associated decline in memory and other brain functions. Although this effect has been closely obesrved in mice, there is evidence that the same is true in humans, which is why doctors have for a long time done their best to encourage people to exercise.
The beneficial effect of noggin on brain function lends further support to the theory that being physically active can help to protect us from dreaded age-related brain diseases such as Alzheimer's. Even modest intensity activity such as walking can be effective.
So use your noggin - being physically active makes good sense!
Dr David Ashton
7th September 2010
