The Physiological and Molecular Links Between Physical Activity and Brain Health: A Review

Sarah Schock; Antoine Hakim

doi:10.1177/26331055231191523

The Physiological and Molecular Links Between Physical Activity and Brain Health: A Review

Neurosci Insights. 2023 Aug 17:18:26331055231191523. doi: 10.1177/26331055231191523. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Sarah Schock¹, Antoine Hakim^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
² Division of Neurology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.

Abstract

There is currently an epidemic of sedentary behavior throughout the world, leading to negative impacts on physical health and contributing to both mortality and burden of disease. The consequences of this also impact the brain, where increased levels of cognitive decline are observed in individuals who are more sedentary. This review explores the physiological and molecular responses to our sedentary propensity, its contribution to several medical conditions and cognitive deficits, and the benefits of moderate levels of physical activity and exercise. Also presented is the recommended level of activity for overall physical health improvement.

Keywords: Aging; cognition; physical activity.

Publication types

Review