New Study Shows Walking Helps Retain Long-Term Memory

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – According to new research, it turns out you can walk your way to better memory.

Arthur Kramer studied 120 people between the ages of 50 and 80 for over a year.

"They were all very sedentary. Couch potatoes comes to mind," Kramer said. "What we were interested in was whether aerobic fitness would improve brain health."

KCBS' Patti Reising Reports:

Kramer, the director of the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois, found that it did. Those who walked regularly boosted their brain volume, specifically the area of the brain associated with long-term memory.

"People often ask me if you have to run a marathon and do a triathlon to reap these benefits," Kramer said. "And the answer is absolutely no."

Seniors who participated in the study worked their way up to walking 30 to 40 minutes, three times a week. And Kramer said the payoff is huge.

"These fairly modest exercise programs can buy you about two years of memory health and brain health," he said.

And Kramer said it can also help your overall body health. Moderate exercise has already proven to be helpful in reducing everything from heart disease to diabetes to osteoporosis.

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