Doctors Agree: Exercise Boosts Memory

Dear Doctors,

I retired last fall, and while I do enjoy the free time, I’ve become worried that the loss of mental stimulus will affect my memory.

My husband says he heard about a study that showed being physically active helps your memory. Do you know if that’s true?

The Link Between Exercise and Memory

Dear Reader,

The idea that regular exercise benefits memory and cognition has been around for decades, if not centuries.

Research on this topic dates back to the 1950s, with most studies concluding that physical activity is indeed beneficial for the brain.

This intriguing connection, which we have written about multiple times over the years, continues to spark new inquiries like yours and drives ongoing research.

A study published last year in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease explored the potential link between exercise and brain volume.

This metric is significant because a decrease in brain volume is observed in individuals experiencing cognitive decline, including those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

The study analyzed brain scans from over 10,000 individuals aged 18 to 97.

Results indicated that people who engaged in at least 25 minutes of moderate physical exercise weekly—such as running, cycling, swimming, and walking—had larger brain volumes than those who were inactive. This finding was consistent across all age groups.

Another recent study revealed that individuals who engaged in moderate or vigorous daily exercise performed better on cognitive tests compared to those who were not physically active.

In this study, benefits were observed even in individuals who exercised for as little as 10 minutes a day.

Additionally, for those frustrated by memory lapses where the desired word is just out of reach, physical fitness might help.

A 2018 British study found a strong link between aerobic fitness and the ability to recall words easily.

Researchers are also investigating the reverse — whether the chemical compounds produced during exercise could be used to treat cognitive issues.

For example, when we exercise, our muscles produce a hormone called irisin, which is believed to help preserve cognitive health.

Several mouse studies have shown a connection between blood levels of irisin and improved memory.

In one study, blocking irisin production led to cognitive decline in mice, while another study found that increasing irisin levels improved memory and cognition.

While the exact mechanisms behind exercise's positive effects on brain chemistry, memory, and cognition are not yet fully understood, the benefits are clear.

If more persuasion is needed, remember that regular exercise also helps lower blood pressure, improve glucose control, boost mood, strengthen bones, and maintain a healthy weight.

Eve Glazier, M.D., MBA, is an internist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health. Elizabeth Ko, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health.

Send your questions to [email protected], or write to Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

Source: times

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