Exercise Shown to Boost Brain Cell Growth, Improve Cognitive Function
New research published today confirms that specific types of exercise stimulate the growth of new brain cells – a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis – potentially offering a proactive approach to maintaining cognitive health as we age.
The hippocampus, a region critical for learning, memory, and emotional regulation, is capable of generating new neurons throughout adulthood. Studies indicate that physical activity is a key driver of this process, but the way we exercise matters. Dual-task walking – combining a motor task like walking with a cognitive challenge such as mental arithmetic – showed twice the cognitive improvement in older adults compared to aerobic or cognitive training alone, according to a 2020 study. Resistance training, utilizing weights or bodyweight, also positively influences neuroprotective factors vital for brain health, as detailed in a recent systematic review.
Leg exercises, in particular, appear to be highly beneficial. Because leg muscles are the largest in the body, engaging them creates systemic changes that directly support brain function. These movements increase blood flow, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients, and stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) – all crucial for neuron survival and growth. Understanding brain health and aging is becoming increasingly important as global populations age.
Researchers emphasize that exercise also combats chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, creating a more favorable environment for neurogenesis. This discovery builds on decades of research demonstrating the brain’s remarkable plasticity and capacity for change. Experts suggest incorporating these exercise types into a weekly routine to proactively support brain health and cognitive function, and further research is planned to explore personalized exercise prescriptions for optimal neurogenic benefit.
