Exercise Makes Your Brain Bigger & Prevents Alzheimer’s

A number of studies have shown that exercise can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease. A new study set out to determine the effect of exercise on the volume of grey matter in the brain and its effect on the development of Alzheimer’s. . . .

The shrinking of grey matter in the brain is known as atrophy, and it is a sign of the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s. So slowing down the shrinking, or, even better, increasing the size of the grey matter would be a very positive step in preventing cognitive decline.

This study included 876 people who had an average age of 78.3. The researchers had followed them for thirty years, tracking their exercise and then testing their brain function and performing MRI’s.

The people who were in the highest level for exercise actually increased the volume of grey matter compared to those who engaged in less exercise. They also significantly reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

This important study shows that staying active is an important part of staying cognitively healthy as we age.

Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 2016;doi:10.3233/JAD-160057

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