Published on: Jun 10, 2025
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports has found that higher levels of physical activity are linked to healthier brain structure in middle-aged and older adults. Led by Dr. Alexandra La Hood from the School of Translational Medicine and Associate Professor Chris Moran from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and the National Centre for Healthy Ageing, the research analyzed data from over 16,000 participants in the UK Biobank, utilizing wrist-worn accelerometers and MRI brain imaging.
The study revealed that increased physical activity is associated with greater total brain volume, as well as increased grey matter, white matter, and hippocampal volumes. Additionally, it was linked to fewer white matter hyperintensities—markers often associated with brain aging. While body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic risk factors accounted for some of the observed associations, physical activity independently contributed to healthier brain metrics across several regions.
Notably, the research found no significant interaction between BMI and physical activity, suggesting that the cognitive benefits of exercise apply regardless of body weight. The findings indicate that physical activity supports brain health not only by enhancing cardiovascular function but also potentially through direct biological mechanisms, such as increasing growth factor production and reducing inflammation.
These results reinforce global public health guidelines encouraging regular physical activity to help maintain brain health and reduce dementia risk in mid-to-late life.
Associate Professor Moran noted that while weight and cardiometabolic indicators do influence brain health, “greater physical activity remained independently associated with healthier brains,” underscoring its vital role regardless of BMI.
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