New Study Reinforces the Role of Physical Activity in Preserving Brain Health

A comprehensive study involving over 16,700 adults with an average age of 65 has highlighted the significant benefits of regular physical activity for maintaining brain size and health during aging. Conducted by Associate Professor Chris Moran from Monash University's School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, the research was published in Scientific Reports and investigated the relationship between physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and brain volume.

The findings reveal that engaging in physical exercise is strongly associated with larger brain volumes in older adults, regardless of their BMI or cardiometabolic health status. This indicates that physical activity independently contributes to better brain health, even among those with overweight or obesity, which are known risk factors for cognitive decline.

The study analyzed MRI scans of participants' brain structures alongside data on their physical activity levels, BMI, waist circumference, and metabolic health. While higher BMI and adverse metabolic factors were linked to reduced brain volume, increased physical activity consistently correlated with healthier brain sizes. These results suggest that staying active can help counteract the negative effects of weight and metabolic risks on the brain.

Current guidelines emphasize the importance of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight during midlife to delay or prevent the onset of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. This research underscores that even in later life, physical activity remains crucial for brain health, regardless of body weight.

For further details, see the original study: Alexandra La Hood et al, "Associations between physical activity and brain structure in a large community cohort," Scientific Reports (2025).