Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 January 2024
Aerobic exercise is good for the brain. If started in midlife it can reduce the chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50%. I don’t think the mechanism for this long-term benefit is fully understood, but it is probably due to a combination of increasing blood flow to the brain, altering release of certain stress hormones, moderating inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing the occurrence of small strokes. There is also a well-documented acute effect of exercise. Again, the cause is not well understood and has generally been attributed to increased brain blood flow while exercising. For me, this cognitive boost lasts for at least several hours after completing a workout.
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