Baycrest

22 BrainMatters SPRING/SUMMER 2018 REAP the rewards of being physically fit W e all know that exercise and eating a healthy diet are good for the body. But the benefits go beyond the physical – what's good for the body is great for brain health. For starters, our mood is lightened when we exercise. Our sense of wellbeing is heightened and we experience better sleep patterns. Our thinking is clearer and our memories are sharper. Exercise is important because it helps your vascular system, and increasing blood flow to the brain improves brain function. "People are more alert, better able to pay attention, learn and remember new things immediately after doing physical exercise," explains Baycrest neuropsychologist, Dr. Susan Vandermorris. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel energetic, lift your overall mood and help you to feel mentally sharp. In fact, research shows that exercise stimulates new brain cell growth and helps to delay age- related cognitive decline. "The number one thing we can do to maintain and improve brain health and emotional well-being is to exercise. An active lifestyle is part of living smart today to age well tomorrow," says Dr. Nasreen Khatri, Clinical Psychologist, Gerontologist, Neuroiscientist and Educator, Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest. A healthy diet also supports our overall wellbeing and brain health. Eating a high quality diet directly affects how we feel and how healthy we are. And with a good diet, our physical performance during exercise is maximized. Healthy eating is about our overall diet - it's all about moderation and variety. It isn't about avoiding fat. Instead, eat the type of fat found in fish and plants. It isn't about counting calories, but it's still important to make sure that you're not eating more than your body needs. Physical, cognitive, and social activity helps to maintain cognitive function and decrease dementia risk. When we combine a good diet and exercise with healthy social interaction, we promote brain health for years to come. TRAINING FOR "HELL WEEK" WITH NAVY SEALS The Baycrest SEALFIT Challenge is a new fundraising initiative that supports research into early detection and prevention of early-onset Alzheimer's. Participants are taking part in a six- month-long journey to transform the body and mind in preparation for a training program with actual Navy SEALs. They will not only improve their physical fitness, they will raise awareness and critical funds for Baycrest. As part of their training, participants will be put to the ultimate test of surviving an intensive Hell Week event modeled after the U.S. Navy SEAL's program. "Alzheimer's has touched my life and many of the people I care about around me," says Baycrest SEALFIT Co-Chair and participant Zachary Goldman. "I'm doing this for Baycrest and to see how far I can push myself. I know that however hard I'm pushed, it is nothing compared to what people who are dealing with Alzheimer's have to go through." This new initiative incorporates many of the elements Baycrest science has shown to be beneficial to brain-healthy aging. It is designed specifically to foster the social connections, teamwork and physical grit required to cement lasting friendships and build a healthier body; all of which reinforce the prevention of dementia. "I am challenging myself to meet the physical and mental demands of this event while supporting a great cause," says co-chair and participant Evan Green. "I believe that we can accomplish anything – no obstacle is too big." Learn more at: baycrestsealfit.baycrest.org/ Top (l-r): Peter Seligman, Josh Cooper, Derek Frankfort, David Lewenberg, Zak Goldman & Evan Green. Bottom: Georges Dagher & Corbin Seligman

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