Brain powered: Increased physical activity among breast cancer survivors boosts cognition
In a 12-week, randomized trial, half the women were enrolled in a physical activity intervention program tailored to each person's interests and abilities and incorporating wearable activity devices, while the other half were assigned to a control group that received emails addressing women's health topics, healthy eating, stress reduction and general brain health. "Whether or not they receive chemotherapy , many breast cancer survivors experience a decline in brain function that impacts memory, thinking and concentration," said Sheri Hartman, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine and co-director of the diet and physical activity shared resource at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. "The women who participated in the physical activity intervention experienced a significant improvement in cognitive processing speed and some improvements in their perceived mental abilities. This study supports the idea that exercise could...