A new study found that a 12-week exercise program saw a significant improvement to the brain.
The advantages of regular exercise are well known, from better overall fitness to positive effects on mood and wellbeing.
Even low-intensity movement — such as going for a walk — can support both physical health and mental resilience.
Now, research suggests one specific activity may also deliver measurable benefits for the brain.
Scientists in the UK followed 23 overweight adults in their mid-30s and split them into two groups. One group was instructed to take part in a structured 12-week exercise plan, while the other group did minimal to no exercise during the same period.
The participants who trained followed a cycling routine. Based on the results, the researchers concluded that cycling for as little as 17 minutes per day could support brain health and may help reduce dementia risk.
After the 12-week program, blood tests from the cycling group showed a notable rise in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This compound is often described as the brain’s “fertilizer” because it supports neuron growth and improves communication between brain cells.
In contrast, the group that did little to no exercise did not see changes in BDNF levels.
Brain scans also indicated that the cyclists showed reduced activity during tasks involving attention and inhibition. The researchers said this points to improved efficiency — suggesting the brain was able to perform the same tasks while working less hard.
The research team was led by Dr Flaminia Ronca, who commented on what the findings may mean.
She said: “These results suggest that increasing physical fitness can enhance BDNF [levels] in response to acute bouts of exercise.
“This might, in turn, play a part in the [improvement] of neural function during executive tasks after acute exercise”
Current estimates suggest more than 7 million adults in the US are living with dementia.
According to the Mayo Clinic: “Dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. The symptoms depend on the area of the brain that’s affected. Dementia can affect people differently.”
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, the clinic says certain lifestyle choices may help lower the risk.
These include staying mentally engaged, maintaining physical and social activity, stopping smoking, ensuring adequate vitamin intake, managing cardiovascular risk factors, looking after mental health, getting consistent high-quality sleep, and following a balanced, healthy diet.