A new study sheds light on how physical activity protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, showing that exercise is linked to making the brain bigger.

A study conducted by a Canadian-American research team found that even moderate to vigorous exercise for just two to three days per week was associated with increases in overall brain matter, especially in key areas like the hippocampus and temporal lobe, which Known for this. Their role in memory and cognition.

The study examined more than 10,000 participants aged 18 to 97 who self-reported their weekly exercise habits.

Using deep-learning neural networks, the researchers quickly analyzed MRI scans of the participants’ brains, focusing on changes in brain volume and density.

The results showed that more days of moderate or vigorous exercise, such as brisk walking, was associated with larger volumes in various brain areas, including the occipital and parietal lobes, the hippocampus and the frontal cortex.

The study also highlighted the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein released during exercise that boosts brain health.

BDNF reduces inflammation, strengthens synaptic connections, and supports neuron growth, all of which contribute to preserving cognitive function. According to the researchers, this increase in BDNF during exercise may be one of the key mechanisms by which physical activity protects the brain from neurodegenerative damage.

Interestingly, studies have shown many physical activities, from daily steps to moderate exercise, to be beneficial for brain health. Even light physical activity such as walking can be neuroprotective, which emphasizes that maintaining regular movement is essential for cognitive flexibility.

With an analysis of 10,125 brain scans, researchers concluded that higher levels of moderate to vigorous exercise were associated with increased gray and white matter in the brain.

This reinforces prior studies that show that brain volume, which shrinks in people with neurodegenerative diseases, is a predictor of better neurological health as we age.

The study’s findings deliver a promising message: Regular physical activity, even just a few days per week, can play an important role in protecting against cognitive decline and improving brain health.