Just 17 minutes of cycling, sharper brain, lower risk of dementia.

LONDON : New scientific research has made an interesting discovery that short daily cycling sessions can not only improve mental performance but also help reduce the risk of dementia, a disease that occurs in old age. According to experts, cycling for about 17 minutes daily can be effective in this regard. The study, conducted in the UK, involved 23 overweight middle-aged people. The results showed that those who cycled regularly had significantly increased levels of a chemical called BDNF in their blood, which is commonly called the ‘brain food’ because it improves the growth and communication of brain cells. In contrast, those who abstained from exercise did not see any significant changes in the levels of this chemical.