Research consistently shows that regular physical activity is one of the most effective lifestyle changes to lower the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Not only does exercise reduce the risk of dementia, it also restores the brain! Exercise boosts neuroplasticity and encourages the growth of new brain cells, especially the part of the brain crucial for memory. Exercise allows us to not only take control of our body health, but also our brain health!
Now that we know exercise can restore and maintain brain health, there leaves one obvious question – what type of exercise is best?
While all types of exercise are beneficial, research shows that balance exercises are the most beneficial for brain health! Why? Because balance exercises challenge and strengthen multiple regions of the brain all at once. Balance exercises strengthen the areas of the brain responsible for muscle control, coordination, movement regulation, spatial awareness, attention, and decision making. Balance relies on sensory input from joints, muscles, and the vestibular system. Practicing it sharpens the brain’s processing of body position and movement, reinforcing the brain-body pathways. When exercise includes a balance component, you are required to focus and adapt throughout the exercise. The constant attention, focus, and adaptation sharpens brain function. Another benefit to balance exercises is the stimulation of the vestibular system. The inner ear’s vestibular system is key to balance. Stimulating it helps support brain regions involved in navigation and memory.
Remember the age-old phrase, “If you don’t use it, you lose it”? There is a reason that phrase has stuck around! Balance is vital for your health – and just like everything else, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. It is a myth that our balance has to decrease with age. Balance can be maintained and even improved at any age with targeted training.
In summary, balance exercises train the brain just as much as they train the body. This is why balance is the center of what we do at Balance in Motion. Incorporating balance exercises into training sessions reduce fall risk, improve brain health, and promote quality of life and independence! Each balance specialist at Balance in Motion is a trained occupational therapist to ensure a holistic and individualized approach to each session promoting brain and body health!
