Discover the Fascinating Link Between Physical Exercise and Better Brain Health: Research Reveals Surprising Effects on Brain Structure and Function

2023-12-30 10:34:49

Although some do not like doing sports, it is a reality that physical exercise produces numerous health benefits, and, in fact, as researchers from the Brain Health Center of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Providence (United States) have now revealed, pointing out a “fascinating link” between regular exercise and better brain health.

The research, published in the ‘Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease’, shows that being physically active is related to a larger size of brain areas important for memory and learning.

The study

To reach this conclusion, the researchers analyzed brain MRIs of 10,125 people performed at Prenuvo imaging centers, a key collaborator in the research.

Thus, they discovered that those who performed regular physical activities such as walking, running or playing sports had larger brain volumes in key areas. This includes gray matter, which helps process information, and white matter, which connects different regions of the brain, as well as the hippocampus, important for memory.

“Our research supports previous studies showing that being physically active is good for the brain. “Exercise not only reduces the risk of dementia but also helps maintain brain size, which is crucial as we age,” explains lead researcher Cyrus A. Raji.

Likewise, study co-author and director of the PBHC, David Merrill, assures that “even moderate levels of physical activity, such as taking fewer than 4,000 steps a day, can have a positive effect on brain health.” This is much less than the 10,000 steps often suggested, making it a more achievable goal for many people,” he adds.

“Our research links regular physical activity with increased brain volumes, suggesting neuroprotective benefits. “This large sample study expands our understanding of lifestyle factors in brain health and dementia prevention,” said study co-author and assistant professor of neurosciences at Saint John’s Cancer Institute and Pacific Brain Health Center. , Somayeh Meysami.

A 2020 Lancet study found that regarding a dozen modifiable risk factors increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, including physical activity. This work builds on previous work from this group, which links calorie burning from leisure activities with better brain structure.

“This study demonstrates the influence of exercise on brain health images and, when added to other studies on the role of diet, stress reduction and social connection, offers the proven benefits of non-drug modifiable factors for substantially reduce Alzheimer’s disease,” says George Perry, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

This research highlights an easy way to keep our brains healthy: staying active! Whether it’s a daily walk or a favorite sport, regular physical activity can have lasting benefits for our brain health.

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