A breakthrough study indicates that regular light walking could help to improve the cognitive function and physical health of Down syndrome.
Researchers from the UK and Canada saw positive results whilst investigating the effects of walking on 83 Down syndrome adults. Although this is the first study of its kind, researchers said the findings are significant and are hopeful the results can help to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome together with wider societies.
Exercise is known to have positive effects on mood and emotional well-being. Improved mood and reduced stress levels can indirectly contribute to enhanced cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome.
Participating in group exercises such as walking clubs can provide opportunities for social interaction and cognitive stimulation. Interacting with peers and engaging in structured activities may support cognitive development.
Physical exercise often involves the coordination of motor skills, which can contribute to the integration of cognitive and motor functions. Activities that promote coordination may have positive effects on overall cognitive functioning.
Regular exercise can contribute to better sleep patterns. Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function, and individuals with Down syndrome may benefit from improved sleep quality through regular physical activity.
Brain Plasticity and Neurogenesis
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder characterised by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to intellectual and developmental delays.
It has been known for some time that regular exercise helps to improve memory and learning abilities in humans. Engaging in physical activity can enhance the formation of new neural connections and support cognitive processes.
Exercise is shown to promote brain plasticity and neurogenesis, which are essential for cognitive development. These processes involve the brain’s ability to adapt, change, and generate new neurones which support and enhance overall cognitive function.
Brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This process is essential for learning, adapting to new experiences, and recovering from injury.
While individuals with Down syndrome typically face cognitive challenges due to genetic factors, there is evidence to suggest that brain plasticity can contribute to improvements in certain cognitive functions.
New neural connections which form in a process known as neurogenesis improve executive functions, which include skills such as attention, problem-solving, and impulse control. Previous studies have shown that exercise has been associated with improvements in executive function in individuals with Down syndrome.
Physical exercise has been associated with neuroplastic changes in the brain. Engaging in regular physical activity may promote overall brain health, potentially impacting executive function abilities.
While there is evidence to suggest that brain plasticity can contribute to improvements in cognitive function, including executive function, it’s important to note that individual responses to interventions may vary. The effectiveness of interventions should be assessed on a case-by-case basis — but it seems as though walking is a good option with a low entry barrier.
