A study published in the journal Nature Medicine challenges the long-held belief that exercise is always beneficial for brain health. The study found that while exercise can improve some aspects of brain function, it can also lead to declines in other areas.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. They recruited a group of healthy adults and divided them into two groups: one group that engaged in regular exercise and one group that did not. The researchers then used MRI scans to measure the participants’ brain volume and function.
The researchers found that the exercise group had larger hippocampi than the non-exercise group. The hippocampus is a brain region that is involved in memory and learning. However, the exercise group also had smaller prefrontal cortices than the non-exercise group. The prefrontal cortex is a brain region that is involved in executive function, such as planning, decision-making, and attention.
The researchers believe that the exercise-induced increase in hippocampal volume may be due to the fact that exercise promotes neurogenesis, the growth of new neurons. However, they believe that the exercise-induced decrease in prefrontal cortex volume may be due to the fact that exercise increases the production of stress hormones, which can damage brain cells.
The researchers conclude that their findings suggest that the relationship between exercise and brain health is more complex than previously thought. They say that while exercise can improve some aspects of brain function, it can also lead to declines in other areas. They recommend that people who are considering starting an exercise program should first talk to their doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
