How does muscle mass affect brain health?

Muscle mass significantly enhances brain health through various mechanisms. According to Huberman Lab, muscle function and brain health are closely linked through the release of specific molecules and the increased efficiency of blood delivery, which supports cognitive functions.

1. Exercise and Brain Function: Regular exercise, especially resistance and aerobic training, boosts brain health by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain. This enhances cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and concentration. Increased stroke volume of the heart from regular exercise improves the efficiency of blood—and thus oxygen and glucose—delivery to the brain, which is beneficial for cognitive functioning 1.

2. BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): Muscle activity promotes the release of BDNF, which is crucial for synaptic connections in the brain. BDNF helps consolidate existing neural networks and supports neural plasticity, combating age-related decline of these networks. This makes exercise a potent agent in improving and maintaining neural health 2.

3. Osteocalcin: Load-bearing exercises stimulate the release of osteocalcin from bones, signaling the brain about the body's movement status. This signaling is crucial for maintaining neural circuitry, emphasizing the importance of physical movement in cognitive health and brain function. This connection between physical activity and brain health highlights the need to engage in both physical and mental exercises for optimal brain health 3.

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     Heart Muscle Adaptation

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     2

     Exercise and Brain Health

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     Brain-Body Connection

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Overall, maintaining healthy muscle mass through regular exercise contributes to better brain function and resilience against cognitive decline as we age.