While your regular runs might leave you feeling good, you may not realize the full extent of the brain benefits that come from getting your body moving. A recent article in The New York Times highlights the wide-ranging advantages exercise offers the brain, from enhancing test performance to lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s a breakdown of what you should know.
Immediate cognitive boost
Exercise does more than just tone muscles; it supercharges your cognitive abilities. Research indicates that following a workout, your brain kicks into high gear, leading to improved memory and executive function. Regular exercisers consistently score higher on cognitive tests, with experts attributing this boost to the release of neurotransmitters like epinephrine and norepinephrine during exercise, which aid in concentration and attention.
Defense against degenerative diseases
Running serves as a shield against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Michelle Voss, a professor of brain science at the University of Iowa, advocates exercise as the ultimate tool for preserving cognitive function. Research has shown that regular exercise may reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 35 per cent.
Long-term mood enhancement
Beyond the immediate post-workout euphoria, habitual exercise correlates with better mental well-being compared to a sedentary lifestyle. Studies show that exercise regimens play a pivotal role in managing depression, with recommendations from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) suggesting 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week. While any exercise is beneficial, the CSEP says that increasing the intensity and duration of physical activity yields greater mental health rewards.
Brain volume preservation
Aging often leads to brain shrinkage, particularly in regions like the hippocampus, vital for memory and mood regulation. Exercise promotes the growth of new blood vessels and strengthens neuronal connections, ultimately preserving brain volume. Engaging in regular exercise not only staves off brain shrinkage but can even prevent it altogether.
