More Exercise Leads to Better Brain Health

Thanks to the patients of AIM Medical Imaging who’ve consented to participation in research through their Whole-Body MRI images, a research paper by Dr. Cyrus Raji and Dr. Raj Attariwala received the 2025 Mark A. Smith Alzheimer Award! This research paper investigated and linked the relationship of exercise-related physical activity to increased brain volumes in patients and—most importantly—decreased risk of dementia.

What is dementia?

Dementia is the umbrella term for symptoms caused by brain disorders that progress over time as brain cells become more damaged and die. It includes short-term and long-term memory loss, cognitive impairment (problem-solving issues, decreased language and thinking skills, etc.), and changes in mood or behavior. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which also results in decreased coordination and mobility.

While dementia is typically associated with people over the age of 65, it can also develop in individuals who are 40 to 50 years of age. It is not a natural part of aging.

Decreased brain volume is a marker of neurodegeneration and increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Intervention is essential in preventing development of these deteriorating health conditions.

 What does the research say about physical activity and dementia?

The brain imaging sequences from the 10,125 whole-body MRIs used in the research were compared after they were categorized into two groups: brains belonging to those who engaged in moderate physical activity (brisk walking, cycling at less than 10 miles per hour, or water aerobics) and/or vigorous physical activity (jogging, running, swimming laps or cycling at more than 10 miles per hour), and brains belonging to those who are sedentary (not partaking in any of the physical activities listed or any similar exercises).

Research through multi-method analysis of these brain imaging sequences showed the following:

• The brains of physically active individuals had statistically significant larger gray and white matter volumes as well as larger lobular volumes compared to the brains of sedentary individuals. Specific areas linked to early development of Alzheimer’s disease such as the hippocampus, posterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, and cerebellum also showed significantly larger volumes.
• More days of moderate and/or vigorous exercise-related physical activity also led to larger brain volumes.

What should I do if I’m concerned about my brain health?

It is never too late to add exercise and physical activity to your lifestyle. Not only do they come with the added benefits of lowered rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, the research has established the positive link between exercise and healthier brains.

If you or your loved ones wish to establish a baseline of your brain health, you may be interested in our AIM Onco-Rads WB-MRI Scans.

More information on the award-winning research paper can be found below: