Exercise can protect brain volume by keeping insulin, lower BMI levels

 New research has found that exercise can help protect brain cells. It has been suggested that the role of exercise played in maintaining insulin levels and body weight may help protect brain volume and thus help prevent dementia. The study was published in the journal, 'Neurology'. "These results may help us to understand how exercise affects brain health, which may lead us to develop strategies to prevent or slow down the decline associated with years of memory and thinking skills," said study author Geraldine Poisnel, Ph.D., of Inserm. Research Center in Caen, France.

"Physically active older adults experience the benefits of cardiovascular system, which can lead to greater brain integrity," he added. In contrast, the researchers found that the relationship between exercise and glucose changes in the brain was not affected by insulin or body mass index (BMI) levels. Decreased glucose metabolism in the brain can be seen in people with dementia.