Senior's Health - Memory & the Central Nervous System.

Memory care specialists now recognize the link between Whole Body Vibration and it's effects on the central nervous system of seniors, including the benefits WBV has on memory.

If these seniors' brains and spinal cords had a voice of their own to request solutions to many of the problems of aging, I believe they would sum these requests up with three words: Neurogenesis, Serotonin, and Endorphins. These three things, time and time again, have all been positively linked to exercise. Even better, they have all been linked through legitimate scientific research.

Since many of the most common forms of healthy exercise are often impractical (or even impossible) for seniors due to their physical or other limitations, Whole Body Vibration offers a solution to them in nearly every case.

Now to get back to the 3 words; Neurogenesis, Serotonin, and Endorphins...Neurogenesis refers to the creation of new nerves, and occurs in an area of the brain known as the hippocampus, the same region where learning and memory occur. The process of neurogenesis, according to researchers, has to do with exercise induced formation of a brain protein (known as BDNF) whose job it is to not only create new neurons, but to protect the existing neurons and enhance communication between them (otherwise referred to as synaptic plasticity). It is through synaptic plasticity that all learning and memory can occur in the brain. This includes muscle memory and motor learning, two important concepts that are clearly enhanced through WBV.

So, as BDNF levels rise in the brain, so do the levels of another brain protein referred to as SERT (serotonin transporter). This protein is responsible for increasing serotonin levels in the brain. For those who are unfamiliar with serotonin, it is a type of chemical, called a neurotransmitter, that is responsible for mood elevation, feelings of ecstasy, increased sexual desire and function, and improved sleep. What else could a senior citizen hope for from Whole Body Vibration therapy? Have you heard of a "runner's high?"

"Runner's high" is a term used to describe what is otherwise known as an endorphin rush. Endorphins are chemicals released by the pituitary gland in response to stress or pain. Normally, it takes up to 30 minutes to release endorphins through traditional exercise, but with more intense "hyper" stimulation of the central nervous system, such as that with Whole Body Vibration training, this release occurs much more quickly. Once released, endorphins do everything from blocking pain to creating a healthy sense of euphoria or exhilaration. Interestingly enough, endorphins bind to the same receptors in the brain as heroin and morphine and by blocking pain, it is theorized that this is what allows for the continued presence of serotonin in the brain.

There is a clear potential connection between Whole Body Vibration, increased central nervous system health, relief from pain, mood elevation and exhilaration, and, most importantly, neurological brilliance. These are just a few more points on the growing list of benefits of WBV training and therapy.