Just 2 days of exercise a week can protect against brain disease

A new study has highlighted how physical activity protects the brain against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, showing that exercise is linked to brain growth.

Directed by a Canadian-American Research Teamthe study found that even moderate to vigorous exercise for just two to three days a week correlated with an increase in total brain matter, particularly in key regions such as the hippocampus and temporal lobe, areas known to play a role in their in memory and cognition.

The study examined more than 10,000 participants aged 18 to 97 who self-reported their weekly exercise habits.

Using a deep learning neural network, the researchers quickly analyzed MRI scans of the participants’ brains, focusing on changes in brain volume and density.

The results showed that more days of moderate or vigorous exercise, such as brisk walking, were linked to larger volumes in various brain regions, including the occipital and parietal lobes, the hippocampus and the frontal cortex.

The study also highlighted the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein released during exercise that improves brain health.

BDNF decreases inflammation, strengthens synaptic connections, and supports neuron growth, all of which help maintain cognitive function. According to the researchers, this increase in BDNF during exercise may be one of the key mechanisms by which physical activity protects the brain from neurodegenerative damage.

Interestingly, the study recognized a wide range of physical activities, from daily steps to moderate exercise, as beneficial for brain health. Even light physical activity, such as walking, can be neuroprotective, underscoring that maintaining regular movement is essential for cognitive resilience.

With 10,125 brain scans analyzed, the researchers concluded that higher levels of moderate to vigorous exercise were linked to increased gray and white matter in the brain.

This reinforces previous studies suggesting that brain volume, which tends to shrink in those with neurodegenerative diseases, is a predictor of better neurological health as we age.

The study’s findings offer a hopeful message: Regular physical activity, even just a few days a week, can play a crucial role in protecting against cognitive decline and improving brain health.