Exercise Maintains Blood Vessel Elasticity That Keeps Heart, Brain Healthy

Physical activity is not only good for the aging heart, it is good for the brain, Canadian scientists report. The study tested the fitness 31 healthy young people (18 to 30) and 54 healthy older participants (55 to 75).  Both overall fitness and cognitive health were tested using standards measurement techniques. It was found that older adults whose aortas were in better condition and who had greater aerobic fitness performed better on a cognitive test. The researchers concluded that the preservation of blood vessel elasticity is one of the mechanisms that enables exercise to slow cognitive aging.