Did you know that exercise can actually increase brain volume in certain areas?
The hippocampus, the brain structure vital to good memory function, shrinks in adulthood leading to impaired memory and an increased risk for dementia.
Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise can prevent shrinkage in the hippocampus.
Current evidence shows that aerobic exercise can actually increase the hippocampal volume, perhaps reversing memory loss.
Ref: Erickson et al 2011, PNAS ‘Exercise Training Increases Size of Hippocampus and Improves Memory’