Research
Hormonal
Regular exercise enhances neuroplasticity and growth factor expression (e.g., BDNF), which improves cognitive function, mood, and protects against stress-related brain changes.
Exercise regularly to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and improve brain health. This can enhance memory, mood, and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Moreover, exercise may benefit the brain by enhancing growth factor expression and neural plasticity, thereby contributing to improved mood and cognition.
Why this rating
Supported by animal and human studies, including imaging studies showing increased brain volume.
Source
Biological mechanisms underlying the role of physical fitness in health and resilience
Marni N. Silverman et al. · Interface Focus · 2014
DOI 10.1098/rsfs.2014.0040
narrative_reviewCited 400×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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