Physical activity protects brain volume

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Regular exercise preserves brain volume through lower insulin levels and lower body mass index . This is the conclusion reached by scientists from the Inserm center in France.

A new study has shown that physical activity helps to protect brain cells. The role of training in maintaining insulin levels and a low body mass index, which are key factors in protecting brain volume and, as a result, preventing senile dementia, has been proven. The results of the study will help to understand how physical activity affects brain health, which should help in the development of strategies to prevent or slow age-related memory degeneration.

Physically active older people benefit in terms of protection against vascular dementia , and this leads to greater structural integrity of the brain. At the same time, the relationship between physical activity and glucose metabolism in the brain does not depend on the level of insulin or body mass index. Specifically, a decrease in glucose metabolism is observed in the brains of people with dementia.

134 people with an average age of 69 who did not have memory problems took part in the study. They talked about their physical activity over the past year and underwent brain scans to assess brain volume and glucose metabolism. Information on body mass index and levels of insulin, cholesterol, blood pressure and other factors was also collected.