Higher cardiovascular endurance linked to preserved brain volume and cortical thickness in older women, not men. Research highlights importance of fitness for cognitive health, especially in aging populations.

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As people age, the brain generally experiences a decline in gray matter volume and cortical thickness, leading to potential cognitive impairment. However, a recent study from the Human Connectome Project suggests that maintaining good cardiovascular endurance, especially for women, may help mitigate these age-related changes.

### Cardiovascular Endurance and Brain Health
– Cardiovascular endurance, also known as cardiorespiratory endurance, is crucial for overall physical fitness and health.
– It involves the heart, lungs, and blood vessels delivering oxygen to working muscles during physical activity.
– Activities like running, swimming, cycling, or rowing help improve cardiovascular endurance.
– Over time, training enhances the heart’s ability to pump blood and the lungs’ oxygen uptake.
– Good cardiovascular endurance is beneficial for athletes and the general population, reducing risks of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

### Study Details
– Junyeon Won and colleagues explored the link between cardiovascular endurance and age-related neurodegenerative processes.
– Aging typically results in brain volume and weight decline due to neuron loss and changes in neurotransmitters.
– The researchers hypothesized that maintaining higher cardiovascular endurance might offset the decline in brain volume and cortical thickness associated with aging.

### Research Findings
– The study analyzed data from the Human Connectome Project, including 1,692 adults from Young Adult and Aging Lifespan datasets.
– Participants underwent MRI scans and cardiovascular endurance tests.
– Older individuals generally exhibited lower brain volume and mean cortical thickness.
– Men showed reduced brain volumes and cortical thickness with age, regardless of cardiovascular endurance.
– In contrast, women with higher cardiovascular endurance showed less decline in brain volume and thickness as they aged.

The study’s findings suggest that maintaining good cardiovascular endurance could help preserve brain health, particularly in women. However, it’s essential to note that the study’s design doesn’t allow for causal conclusions. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these associations are due to generational differences or age-related changes.

This research, published in “Brain and Behavior,” provides valuable insights into the relationship between cardiovascular endurance and brain health across adulthood. Further studies are necessary to explore the long-term effects of cardiovascular endurance on brain structure and cognitive functions.

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