Two recent studies highlight the significance of physical activity in enhancing brain function and overall cognitive abilities. These findings come amidst skepticism about the extent to which exercise truly benefits thinking and memory.
In the first study, researchers used complex statistical analysis, DNA, and Mendelian randomization to determine the impact of exercise on cognitive abilities. They analyzed data from nearly 350,000 individuals, including physical activity measurements for about 91,000 and cognitive scores for around 258,000. They found that people with a genetic predisposition to exercise generally performed better on cognitive tests if they engaged in moderate exercises, such as jogging. The relationship between exercise and cognition was strong enough to suggest causation, indicating that appropriate exercise can lead to improved cognitive abilities.
The second study investigated the effects of intense exercise on the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurochemical crucial for lifelong brain health. In an experiment involving 12 healthy young participants, researchers discovered that six minutes of high-intensity exercise led to a significant increase in both lactate and BDNF levels in the blood. Lactate, released by muscles during exercise, can be utilized by the brain as fuel, potentially stimulating the production of BDNF.
Both studies support the idea that exercise is highly beneficial for the brain, with the first study providing strong evidence of the causal relationship between exercise and cognition, and the second study offering a possible explanation for how exercise promotes brain health. The researchers emphasize that questions remain, such as the optimal types and amounts of exercise for boosting BDNF levels, and whether the effects are similar for older or less healthy individuals. However, the current findings suggest that engaging in physical activity, regardless of intensity, can effectively safeguard cognitive abilities.
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