Brain geometry and walking patterns linked to cognitive health

New research suggests that changes in brain geometry and specific patterns of physical activity may serve as indicators or protectors of cognitive health.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and the University of La Laguna analyzed over 2,600 MRI brain scans of individuals aged 30 to 97. The findings revealed a characteristic pattern where the lower and anterior parts of the brain tend to expand with age, while the upper and posterior sections contract. These geometric shifts were more pronounced in older individuals exhibiting signs of cognitive impairment, suggesting that these changes may be linked to declines in memory and executive function rather than just normal aging.

Complementary research from the University of California, San Francisco, published in ‘Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy’, highlights the impact of movement on brain health. By monitoring 279 participants, researchers found that regular, brisk walks of at least ten minutes per day are associated with better brain health indicators. Specifically, frequent and faster walking was linked to fewer changes in brain white matter and improved performance in tasks involving planning, concentration, and decision-making.