A vigorous workout triggers a cascade of positive changes in your head, from feelings of euphoria to improved memory. “Staying physically active can delay the onset of age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s,” says Arthur Kramer, Ph.D., a professor of neuroscience and psychology
at the University of Illinois.
Pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and frontolimbic region
Running pumps out feel-good endorphins in brain areas associated with emotions.
Dentate gyrus
Working out triggers neurogenesis—birth of new brain cells—in the dentate
gyrus, a brain area responsible for memory and verbal learning.
Frontal, parietal, and temporal cortexes
Regular aerobic activity slows the loss of gray matter that begins around age 30, says Kramer.
Frontal lobe
White matter, a conduit for messages between areas of gray matter, decreases in size after age 30. Exercise minimizes the shrinkage.
Cerebral cortex and hippocampus
Exercise spikes levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that protects neurons from injury.
Hippocampus
Exercise may reduce depression by increasing levels of BDNF, deficiencies of which have been linked to mood disorders.
Images by Rodale
