Did you know that changes in your brain start around age 50 and can negatively affect your memory? These changes impact other cognitive functions such as multitasking, rapid information processing, detailed focus, and more!
By age 70, one in six people have mild cognitive impairment. Unfortunately, without some intervention on your part, brain shrinkage naturally happens as you age. Dementia (as well as Alzheimer’s disease) is preceded by increasing brain shrinkage and the loss of nerve cells and their connections.
In the past, it was believed that the brain could not grow nor produce new cells or connections. Thankfully, research in the last 20 years, has shown that the brain can grow new cells, increase in size, make new connections, as well as preserve critical regions of the brain.
Can we do anything to reduce the shrinkage, delay it, or reverse it?
According to researchers in both East Asian and Western medicine, Tai Chi can help improve brain function and cognition. Consistent Tai Chi practitioners have even increased gray matter in the brain by 40%. Tai Chi actually helps you retain more information, improves your focus, and helps you make informed (not snap) decisions faster. This is because it “exercises” the brain through deep, focused mental concentration, motor learning, and meditation, which, in turn causes the brain to release growth factors which stimulate brain growth.
The growth of brain cells (which are responsible for memory and thinking) usually slow down as we get older. Some researchers believe that it’s Tai Chi’s continuous and sustained attention at a high level which could be the reason for the improvements. They also credit Tai Chi’s increased oxygen and blood flow to the brain, as well as increased number of nerve cells sending messages to and from the brain and body, as being responsible for the cognitive improvement.
Researchers in both South Florida and Shanghai determined that Tai Chi not only increased brain size and improved thinking, but improved memory as well. In this (which is just one of many) 2012 study, the Tai Chi group experienced significant increases in brain volume as shown on MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and neuro-psychological measures, such as memory and thinking tests.
Numerous studies and meta-analyses demonstrated that the Tai Chi groups showed the greatest improvements, greatest increase in brain volume, and better performance on cognitive tests. In people without cognitive impairment, Tai Chi can improve executive function, which governs multitasking, time management, and decision making. For those with mild cognitive impairment, Tai Chi can slow progression and improve cognitive function.
Even though it is low impact, Tai Chi has the same benefit as much more intensive exercises when it comes to memory and concentration. Meaning it can be practiced by people of all ages and most physical conditions!
Ideally, regular Tai Chi practice should start when you are young, and continue through “your aging years”. I can’t think of a better way to keep your brain healthy, growing, and prevent (or at least delay) the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease!
If this isn’t a compelling reason to begin or continue to practice Tai Chi, I don’t know what is!
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