The chemical signals released by muscle contractions promote the development of brain networks
According to a new study published in Neuroscience, chemical signals from contracting muscle can influence the growth and development of brain networks. The study highlights how important physical activity is to mental health. It could also contribute to more effective treatments of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Exercise has been shown to have significant benefits on cognitive health even when it is initiated late in life. Exercise is associated with long-term alterations in the hippocampus. This brain region is crucial for memory and learning. These changes include increased neurogenesis, synaptogenesis and an enlarged volume.
The specific mechanisms by which exercise causes these changes to the hippocampus are not fully understood. The authors of the study hope to use these mechanisms to develop exercise-based treatment for cognitive pathologies affecting the hippocampus such as Alzheimer’s, stress, depression and anxiety.
Source:
https://www.psypost.org/2023/06/muscle-contractions-release-chemical-signals-that-promote-brain-network-development-164208
