Regular physical exercise has numerous benefits on brain health, enhancing cognition, mood, and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Recent studies have delved into the profound impact of exercise on various biological systems, shedding light on the mechanisms through which it improves overall health. Activities like running, biking, weightlifting, and brisk walking offer more than just physical benefits, as they can also boost mood, alleviate stress, and sharpen cognitive function. While different people may respond differently to various forms of exercise, recent research has shown that elite athletes tend to have slightly extended life expectancies.
A collaborative effort led by Stanford Medicine has explored how exercise promotes brain health at a molecular level, offering valuable insights for tailoring exercise recommendations and potentially developing drug therapies that mimic the benefits of physical activity. One study conducted on lab rats trained to run on treadmills revealed significant effects of exercise on the immune system, stress response, energy production, and metabolism, highlighting its diverse impact on different tissues. Research also showed changes in gene expression and tissue response to exercise, with notable findings suggesting improved muscular function in diabetes and liver health with endurance training.
Furthermore, a study from The University of Queensland in Australia focused on how exercise can deter or decelerate cognitive decline as individuals age by influencing gene expression in microglia, immune cells that support brain function. The research demonstrated that exercise can revert the gene expression patterns of aged microglia to patterns similar to those seen in young microglia, thereby supporting the creation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a crucial brain region for memory and learning. Access to a running wheel also prevented or reduced the presence of T cells in the hippocampus as mice aged, showcasing the protective effects of exercise on brain health.
Experts emphasize the multifaceted benefits of exercise on brain health, highlighting its role in gene regulation, mitochondrial function, and immune response. Activities like aerobic exercises, strength training, and balance exercises are particularly beneficial for brain health, with dance or tai chi combining physical and cognitive challenges being especially effective. While exercise has been shown to influence gene expression related to brain plasticity, inflammation, and metabolism, individual variability due to genetics and baseline health can impact outcomes. Further research is needed to optimize exercise programs for the elderly and determine the long-term sustainability and optimal exercise types and intensities for different populations.