Exercise is associated with many improved health outcomes, including the reduction of over 40 diseases and conditions (including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, sarcopenia, hypertension, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, DVT, some cancers & even heart failure). It has become common knowledge that exercise is one of the leading strategies for maintaining optimal health and longevity, with some studies now showing a reduction in all-cause mortality by upwards of 30-35%. Interestingly, more and more research is being done that not only reports the positive physiological results of exercise but also the impact it has on our brains.
What are the implications of this? How can we use this to further improve our own health and even performance?
Stick around as we break this down!
Memory & Brain Volume:
Aging is associated with the loss of brain volume, vasculature, and cognition. It can heavily impact the function of the prefrontal cortex portion of our brain, increase the risk of vascular issues (such as high blood pressure, CVD, stroke, etc.), and is associated with memory loss.
Research time and time again shows a link between exercise and improved cognition and memory. It is hypothesized that this is due to the increase in brain volume that occurs as a result of exercise. BDNF or brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key protein in the brain that is responsible for many neurological functions, including processing, cognition, and neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change). With exercise increasing the brain’s volume, it is said to support and protect the brain’s memory - pretty impressive! In fact, there are studies showing that shrinkage of the hippocampus (that is associated with memory loss) can be reversed through walking!
Neurogenesis:
As touched on before, BDNF is a key protein in the brain. However, what we haven’t explained yet is that BDNF is one of many brain proteins that is connected with neurogenesis (developing new neurons in the brain!). In fact, exercise and physical activity have been associated with inducing the repair and creation of new neurons (neurogenesis) via the brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF. Exercise is literally growing your brain!
Neurotransmitters:
Exercise has also been shown to ramp up those feel-good hormones called endorphins. Every time we are active, a barrage of neurotransmitters (norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DO), serotonin (5-HT) & acetylcholine (ACh) are rapidly discharged into the brain influencing your mood regulation. This is one reason research has continuously shown physical activity to have a positive impact on anxiety & depression while reducing stress!
Inflammation In The Brain:
Research has shown an association between inflammation and brain disease/cell death, with more and more evidence emerging that high levels of inflammation negatively impact brain health & even exacerbate brain diseases. Furthermore, a direct link has been shown between inflammation and neuron death, and cognition in animal studies. The proposed mechanism as to why exercise may reduce inflammation has to do with a special class of immune cells in the brain called “microglia'' - which belong to a group of cells called “glia”.
Microglia cells when activated are known to support and protect the brain, identifying and cleaning the system by the removal of dead cells, while also facilitating a process we covered above - “neurogenesis”. This is all good and well when you’re young, however, as we age these cells have been reported to act a little differently. In fact, when inappropriately activated they can impair neurogenesis and increase brain inflammation!
The good news is here, don’t you worry!
Physical activity has been shown to counteract the damage these nasty microglia cells cause when inappropriate activation occurs, improving overall cognition.
Blood Vessel Health And Function:
Aging is associated with reduced vascular function, arterial stiffness, and an increase in blood pressure, of which all negatively impact the brain’s ability to function properly [16]. Furthermore, arterial stiffness and brain hypoperfusion are emerging risk factors for Alzheimer's and other brain diseases. There are multiple studies showing that exercise increases blow to the brain.
Conclusion
I hope by now you have learned that exercise has MANY positive benefits on our brain. This is one reason why physical fitness should be a LIFELONG pursuit!
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