Regular exercise is not just good for your body; it may also help age your brain more slowly. According to recent research, working out for about 150 minutes each week can keep your brain younger by almost a year. That’s roughly two 60-minute cardio sessions and a half-hour workout at home.
In a study, scientists took MRI scans of participants’ brains before and after a year of regular exercise. The results were surprising. Those who exercised regularly saw their brain age decrease by about 0.6 years. On the other hand, those who didn’t exercise at all showed an increase in brain age of about 0.35 years. This means there was a gap of nearly a year in brain aging between the two groups.
Lu Wan, a data scientist at AdventHealth Research Institute, led the study and highlighted the importance of even small changes. “These absolute changes were modest, but even a one-year difference in brain age could matter over decades,” she said.
The study included 130 people aged 26 to 58, indicating that it’s never too late to start exercising and reap brain benefits. Kirk Erickson, another expert from the same institute, added, “Each additional ‘year’ of brain age is linked to significant changes in health as we age.” Slowing down brain aging may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life.
So, how does exercise help the brain? Researchers identified several factors: improved fitness, body composition, and possibly a protein called BDNF that aids in forming new brain connections. Interestingly, the study found that improvements in fitness and blood pressure did not fully explain the brain-aging benefits of exercise. This suggests there might be other unknown mechanisms at play, such as changes in brain structure or inflammation.
While scientists continue to unravel the complexities, you don’t have to wait. Starting a regular exercise routine can be beneficial, whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s.
In fact, recent data from a survey by the American Heart Association shows that around 50% of adults don’t meet the recommended exercise guidelines. This is a concern, as staying active is crucial for brain health. Following these guidelines could make a big difference in keeping your brain younger over time.
So, lace up your sneakers and get moving! Your brain will thank you.
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brain aging, AdventHealth Research Institute, Kirk Erickson, Brain
