Exercise may increase your brain size and decrease your disease risk.
And the amount of exercise needed is probably less than you think.
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Its no secret that theres a connection between exercise and brain health.
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Yes, exercise might make your brain bigger!
This study included 10,125 healthy people, ages 18 to 97 with an average age of 53.
The participants underwent whole-body MRI scans, looking at the brain from various angles.
Participants were also asked about their exercise habits.
Researchers were especially interested in participants who regularly engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
They defined this as activity that increases breathing and heart rate for at least 10 continuous minutes.
What Did the Study Find?
White matter is a sort of bridge of communication between gray matter and the rest of the body.
The hippocampus is responsible for memory, learning and emotion.
Neurodegenerative diseases include dementia, Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease, among others.
How Does This Apply to Real Life?
Every little bit of movement counts toward protecting your brain.
If youre not a regular exerciser yet, start where youre at.
Moderate-to-vigorous exercise is relativewhats moderate intensity for one person may be vigorous for another.
Cant do 10 minutes all at once?
What kind of exercise?
Find something you enjoy and will stick to.
Ditto for staying well-hydrated andengaging in activitieslike meditation, learning new hobbies and getting plenty of sleep.
