Study Proves Exercise Builds Brain Cells

We have long recognised that exercise decreases stress, boosts energy, and increases mental performance. But recent studies led by Dr Scott Small, a neurologist at Columbia University Medical Centre in

Study & Findings

Tests on 11 healthy adults undergoing a three month aerobic exercise program showed exercise generated blood flow to a brain region called the dentate gyrus, which resulted in growth of new brain cells. This part of the hippocampus is known to be affected in the age-related memory decline that begins around age 30 for most humans.

The changes were detected using MRI scans of the brain before and after exercise. They also measured the fitness of each volunteer by measuring oxygen volume before and after the training programme. The more fit a person got, the more blood flow the MRI detected.

The next step for the research is to identify the exercise regimen most beneficial to improve cognition and reduce normal memory loss.

Nicola

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