Joe Phelan explores the growing body of evidence linking exercise to delayed cognitive decline
The gradual fading of mental sharpness is a natural part of the ageing process. It’s something we all, to varying degrees, will inevitably experience during our twilight years. Yet, despite the gloomy outlook, it’s becoming increasingly clear that cognitive decline is something we can battle against. Various studies have concluded that we have a certain degree of power when it comes to halting, or even minimising the effects of the deterioration of a brain that’s long in the tooth. Researchers from around the globe have found that committing to regular bouts of exercise can play a significant role in keeping our minds sharp. In fact, it turns out that working out could well be the ultimate weapon.
Change your mind
For many people, exercise is not just about physical fitness; it’s also a path to maintaining and improving mental health. The brain benefits of working out have long been understood, and these positive impacts are becoming clearer as scientific knowledge grows. Exercise is, for example, a simple yet highly effective means of boosting dopamine and serotonin, key chemicals for happiness and motivation. These chemicals can endure long after a workout has ended. What is perhaps less well known is the fact that exercise can also keep our brains operating healthily as we age.
“There are many aspects in which exercise can directly influence cognitive function by positively impacting brain activity,” says Antonina Pereira, professor of neuropsychology and neuroscience at the University of Chichester. “Exercise bolsters cardiovascular health, which increases blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. This fosters new blood vessels and invigorates brain cells, enhancing cerebral function.
“It also triggers the release of ‘brain-derived neurotrophic factor’ (BDNF), which shapes neurons, nurtures resilience and weaves synaptic plasticity, enhancing learning and memory. Most importantly, exercise can also deliver an anti-inflammatory response, creating a brain environment that is hostile to cognitive decline.”
Exercise can, according to scores of studies, help us retain memory, continue learning and expanding our recreational horizons long into retirement, and even make us less susceptible to dementia. When we exercise, the brain reacts in a variety of incredible ways. Numerous physiological and neurochemical changes occur, and many of these are related to improved cognitive function.
Healthy body, healthy mind
Researchers have found that exercise not only has the ability to delay the brain’s deterioration, but can also encourage the growth of new neurons and synapses. By developing new connections and getting rid of older, weaker ones, the brain becomes far more able to adapt to changing environments and circumstances. Brains that
