Here is some more evidence of the mind body connection and how any therapy has to be holistic in order for it to be truly effective:
A recent study has found that regular exercise and using a computer could help combat memory problems that the elderly may face as a result of their advancing years.
How exercise can help the mind
A new study has reinforced conventional wisdom that a healthier body houses a healthier mind. The study also shows that exercising both the body and the mind is important; particularly as the body ages.
Researchers examined the lifestyles of nearly a thousand individuals between the ages of 70 and 93 who filled in questionnaires about their activities over the previous year.
Those who said they used the computer and exercised regularly had the fewest memory problems.
These memory problems are the precursors to mental degeneration resulting in dementia and other mental diseases.
Any kind of exercise is seen to be beneficial: brisk walking, strength training, aerobic exercise, trekking, swimming, tennis, martial arts, yoga, even playing gold without using a cart.
And since computer use is becoming increasingly common even among the older generation, this was also seen to have a beneficial impact on mental health.
According to Dr Marie Janson of Alzheimer’s Research UK, this research supports the hypothesis that lifestyle factors have a bearing on how our mind ages.
According to her, the combined effects of physical and mental exercise can help to delay cognitive decline.
Exercise can also help to reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is a mental disorder that leads to involuntary trembling or shaking of the limbs and impairs normal movement and coordination. In a study conducted by the Rush University Medical Center and the University of Illinois at Chicago, the impact of physical exercise, especially lifting weight, on Parkinson’s patients was examined.
According to one 57-year-old study participant, the effects of the medication became longer lasting and that the body was stronger even without the medication. The exercise also helped by giving fresh hope the to the Parkinson’s patient. Twice weekly exercise by patients was clearly shown to help in reducing symptoms.
In the study, two groups were examined over a two-year period. In particular those who did resistance and weight exercises fared better. Their symptoms of Parkinson’s disease were seen to have improved more.
