A neuroscientist has said that new research shows that specifically playing golf – and not just walking – is so good for the mind that it can even protect against dementia.
Stephen Smith, the chief neuroscientist at SPL/PSYenz, says that new research shows that swinging a golf club brings additional neurological benefits to elderly people than just walking.
He said new research from Pennsylvania State University shows that physical movement of the abdominal muscles creates a hydraulic-like vascular connection with the nervous system, driving the flow of waste-clearing cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.
“Until now the deep cleaning systems of the brain and the rest of our bodies have been seen by science as two, physically separate entities,” he said.“The cerebrospinal fluid is extremely important for brain health but very difficult to access – as anyone who has ever had a lumbar puncture will testify. It acts as a cleaning mechanism by flowing all around our brain and spinal cord, picking up waste elements and removing them – if the flow of that fluid slows or stops, that health inducing cleaning service is cancelled.
“Now we know that even moderate exercise activates a pump-like system from our gut that makes sure that this health-enabling fluid keeps on moving effectively around our brain.
“This may explain other research that has suggested that older golfers have positive changes in metabolites in the kynurenine pathway which is linked to neurotoxicity / neuroprotection and the removal of waste products of this system.
“Research has shown that simply walking 3,000 to 5,000 steps a day can lower the risk of neurodegenerative disease in older people.
“Combine those steps with the abdominal muscle movements required to swing a club and all the health benefits that simply being out in the fresh air can bring, then golf may be the perfect prescription.”
Leave a Reply