A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that moderate exercise for just 25 minutes a week can lead to better brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The study, which involved more than 10,000 healthy men and women between the ages of 18 and 97, used brain MRI scans to assess brain volumes and found that those who engaged in moderate exercise had larger volumes in areas related to thinking and memory.
According to the lead author of the study, Cyrus A. Raji, the results are significant given that there are currently no drugs available to prevent age-related deterioration in brain health. Despite common public health recommendations suggesting 150 minutes of exercise per week, this study demonstrates that lower thresholds of physical activity can still have potential benefits for brain health.
This finding has been supported by Jesús Porta Etessam, president of the Spanish Society of Neurology, who believes that moderate and sustained physical exercise can play a preventive role in cognitive impairment. The increase in brain volume closely associates with physical exercise, which can contribute to the growth of synaptogenesis.
While the study has shown significant results, some experts caution that it is important to consider other health factors such as cardiovascular health and the potential role of physical exercise in the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s. However, preventive measures such as regular physical exercise, an active social life, and mental health care can still contribute to the delay in cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Ultimately, this study offers further insight into the potential role of physical exercise in maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline, particularly in relation to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. More research is needed to better understand the specific mechanisms through which physical exercise can affect brain health, but the evidence is consistently pointing to the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle for overall well-being.