• MEDIA ADVISORY: Brain Boosting Olympic Sports

 

The physical benefits of the Olympic sports are pretty obvious: strength, endurance and agility, to name a few. But did you know they also can help the brain? Mayo Clinic research shows that any exercise that gets the heart pumping may reduce the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment -- and slow those conditions if they start. Aerobic exercise also can boost your mood.

Brain Boosting Olympic Sports:
*Ping-pong, also known as table tennis
*Badminton
*Taekwondo
*Fencing
*Rowing
*Canoeing

Rodolfo Savica, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist says, “We know that 30 minutes of aerobic activity of any kind five times per week is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. So it is important to stay active often and as early as you can.” 

To interview Dr. Savica please contact: 
Sharon Theimer
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
Email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Read entire media advisory.