Feb 18 • 08:00 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina Clarin (ES)

The physical activity that keeps the brain young longer

A new study highlights the significant role of exercise, particularly strength training, in maintaining brain health and cognitive function as people age.

Recent research published in Geroscience emphasizes that physical exercise is crucial not just for overall body health, but significantly benefits brain health by improving cognition, mental well-being, and providing protection against neurodegeneration. While previous neuroscience studies focused mostly on localized brain changes, this new study attempts to quantify the global impact of exercise on brain aging. Strength training, which aims to enhance muscle strength, is gaining increasing attention alongside aerobic exercise in terms of recommendations for healthy habits, as explained by one of the study's authors, Agustín Ibáñez. The emphasis is shifting towards recognizing the extensive benefits of resistance training in maintaining cognitive function and mental health, underlining its role as equally or even more essential than traditional aerobic workouts. This shift in perspective highlights the need for broader acceptance and incorporation of strength-training exercises into public health guidelines for aging populations. As the global community grapples with aging demographics, understanding and promoting exercises that benefit brain health will be vital for enhancing quality of life and reducing the risks associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

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