Tai Chi for big brains

Dementia is a terrifying spectre looming over the end of life. No-one wants to have enjoyment of their elderly years dissipated by loss of cognitive function. Research has shown that aerobic exercise can increase brain size and reduce risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Now a new study has suggested that a less aerobic form of exercise in Tai Chi might confer the same benefits.

Research suggests that exercise is associated with an increase in production of brain growth factors. Epidemiological studies have repeatedly shown that people who engage in more physical exercise or who are more socially active have a reduced likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. What has not previously been shown is whether less aerobic exercises can also offer that benefit.

In the trial elderly people from the United States and also from China were randomly assigned to either take part in regular Tai Chi classes for an eight month period or to simply maintain their current lifestyle.

After eight months the group that had not undertaken Tai Chi showed brain shrinkage consistent with what has previously been seen in people in their 60s and 70s.

By contrast those who undertook Tai Chi showed increases in brain volume and they showed improvements in memory. These improvements in memory were greater than the improvements achieved by a third group who engaged in lively discussion groups three times per week for the eight weeks of the study.

Apparently there is something about Tai Chi that transcends, or at least combines, the beneficial brain effects of social contact and aerobic exercise. As you get older then some Tai Chi classes could be a very good thing for your brain, providing you remember to attend.