Short Bursts of Exercise Slow Cognitive Decline

Exercise shown to help stave off Alzheimer's—even after a lifetime of inactivity

There is plenty of room outside to go exercise A habit of short bursts of exercise can have a notable impact on your mental function later in life. Goran Bogicevic/Shutterstock

Want to keep your brain sharp as you age? Exercising for as little as 10 minutes a few times per week can help stop mental decline in its tracks.

We already know that engaging in regular exercise is one of the healthiest habits you can adopt, regardless of your age or current physical condition. Studies have shown that moderately intense aerobic exercise, like taking a brisk walk, is safe for most people and can strengthen bones and muscles, reduce your risks for disease and even improve brain health,^[i] forestalling the cognitive decline associated with aging.