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Exercise and Brain Health: Expert Review
Cyrus Safaeipour1, Dean Sherzai2, Bashir Zikria3
1Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA (CS).
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
|January 12, 2026
Summary
Regular exercise, both aerobic and anaerobic, is crucial for preserving brain health and cognitive function throughout life. Exercise enhances brain structure and function, offering benefits for aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Maintaining cognitive function and quality of life with age is critical.
- Exercise is a key factor in preserving brain health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the distinct and combined effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on brain health.
- To investigate exercise's role in cognitive function and brain structure across the lifespan and in neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies examining aerobic exercise (e.g., running, cycling) and anaerobic exercise (e.g., weightlifting).
- Analysis of impacts on gray matter volume, white matter integrity, and neural connections.
- Examination of effects on cognitive functions like episodic memory and motor control.
- Assessment of exercise benefits in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease models.
Main Results:
- Aerobic exercise boosts brain plasticity, increasing gray matter and neural connections via BDNF and serotonin.
- Anaerobic exercise enhances gray matter in the basal ganglia and cerebellum.
- In midlife, aerobic exercise improves white matter integrity and cortical thickness.
- In older adults, aerobic exercise enhances episodic memory.
- Exercise shows neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, improving cognition and motor function.
Conclusions:
- Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise are vital for preserving brain health.
- Exercise positively impacts cognitive function and brain structure, mitigating age-related decline and neurodegeneration.
- A combined approach to exercise is recommended for comprehensive brain health benefits.
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