Effects of Exercise on Grey Matter & Brain Atrophy
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A recent study by the Mayo Clinic including more than 2,000 people, found that exercise can have an effect on grey matter and total brain volume. Both of which are involved in cognitive decline and aging. According to Mayo Clinic experts, exercise that is good for the heart (such as brisk walking, running and cycling) could also help to slow changes in the brain.
Researchers from the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases followed 2,013 adults from 1997 through to 2012. Their cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using peak oxygen uptake while participants used an exercise bike. MRI scans of their brain were then analysed.
Ronald Petersen, a Mayo Clinic neurologist and lead author, said the most striking feature of the study was the measured effect of exercise on brain structures involved in cognition, rather than motor function:
“This provides indirect evidence that aerobic exercise can have a positive impact on cognitive function in addition to physical conditioning… Another important feature of the study is that these results may apply to older adults as well. There is good evidence for the value of exercise in midlife, but it is encouraging that there can be positive effects on the brain in later life as well,”
While longitudinal studies will be required in the future to corroborate these findings, cardiorespiratory fitness has shown to be a key factor in reducing the risk of death, cardiovascular morbidity, several cancers, and now possibly, brain atrophy.