A strong link between regular exercise and enhanced brain health has been identified by an international team of researchers.
The study was conducted by clinical researchers from the Providence Saint John’s Health Center, which is part of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute.
The comprehensive research involved conducting extensive MRI brain scans on 10,125 individuals at Prenuvo imaging centers. The results shed light on the profound impact of regular exercise on the structure and function of our brains.
The experts discovered a correlation between physical activities such as walking, running, or sports, and an increase in the size of crucial brain areas associated with memory and learning.
The research highlights a significant increase in gray matter, which is crucial for processing information, as well as white matter, which acts as the communication hub between different brain regions.
Additionally, those who regularly engaged in physical exercise showed significant expansion in the hippocampus, a vital area for memory.
Positive effects on brain health
“Our research supports earlier studies that show being physically active is good for your brain. Exercise not only lowers the risk of dementia but also helps in maintaining brain size, which is crucial as we age,” said lead researcher Dr. Cyrus A. Raji via Earth.com.
“We found that even moderate levels of physical activity, even less than 4,000 steps a day, can have a positive effect on brain health,” said study co-author Dr. David Merrill, director of the PBHC.
“This is much less than the often-suggested 10,000 steps, making it a more achievable goal for many people.”
Larger brain volumes
Dr. Somayeh Meysami, an assistant professor of Neurosciences at Saint John’s Cancer Institute and the Pacific Brain Health Center, is a co-author of the study.
“Our research links regular physical activity to larger brain volumes, suggesting neuroprotective benefits. This large sample study furthers our understanding of lifestyle factors in brain health and dementia prevention,” said Dr. Meysami via Earth.com.
Modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s
The research builds upon a 2020 Lancet Study that identified approximately a dozen modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, one of which is physical activity. Furthermore, it extends the previous work conducted by the same group, which established a connection between caloric burn from leisure activities and improved brain structure.
“This study demonstrates the influence of exercise on brain health imaging and when added to other studies on the role of diet, stress reduction, and social connection offer the proven benefits of drug-free modifiable factors in substantially reducing Alzheimer’s disease,” said George Perry, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Study implications
“With comprehensive imaging scans, our study underscores the interconnected synergy between the body and the brain. It echoes the knowledge of past generations, showcasing that increased physical activity is a predictor of a healthier aging brain,” said study senior author Dr. Attariwala via Earth.com.
The research presents a persuasive argument for the efficacy of regular exercise as a simple and effective method to preserve brain health.
Whether it’s taking a daily walk or participating in a favorite sport, studies confirm that staying active has long-lasting benefits for our cognitive well-being. This has the potential to transform our approach to aging and the maintenance of brain health.
