Exercising to keep the brain young: Latest research and expert opinions

Exercise enhances mood, increases cognitive

function, lowers the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, and generally improves brain health.

Exercise's substantial effects on several biological systems have been shown in a number of recent studies, which helps to explain why it can improve health and fend off disease.

We examine the latest recent studies on the benefits of exercise for maintaining brain health as we age in this Special Feature.

The molecular effects of exercise on the body

Researchers have investigated the fundamental mechanisms by which exercise enhances general health, including brain health, in a new collaborative initiative headed by Stanford Medicine.

Through a molecular understanding of the effects exercise has on various organs, health care practitioners could more effectively customize exercise regimens. This information may also help in the development of medication treatments that simulate the health benefits of exercise for people who are unable to exercise.

The study's results, which are published in NatureTrusted Source, examined the effects of eight weeks of endurance exercise in lab rats trained to run on miniature treadmills using roughly 10,000 measurements across nearly 20 different types of tissues.