Hormonal
Long-term physical activity (specifically aerobic exercise) promotes neuroplasticity and cognitive health in aging adults by upregulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), increasing hippocampal volume, and reducing neuroinflammation.
Engage in regular moderate aerobic exercise (e.g., brisk walking, cycling) at least 3 times per week for 12 months or more. This specific protocol has been shown to increase hippocampal volume and reverse 1-2 years of age-related brain loss, directly supporting memory and executive function.
Indeed, a multiplicity of studies has demonstrated relationships between lifestyle factors, brain structure and function, and cognitive function in aging adults. For example, physical activity and diet modulate common neuroplasticity substrates (neurotrophic signaling, neurogenesis, inflammation, stress response, and antioxidant defense) in the brain...
Why this rating
The paper cites multiple meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and preclinical studies, though it acknowledges that some mechanisms are not fully elucidated.
Source
Lifestyle Modulators of Neuroplasticity: How Physical Activity, Mental Engagement, and Diet Promote Cognitive Health during Aging
Cristy Phillips · Neural Plasticity · 2017
DOI 10.1155/2017/3589271
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