The Connection Between Leg Muscle and Cognitive Decline

It isn’t a mere coincidence that the symptoms of patients with multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, motor neuron disease, and other neurological diseases often worsen when their movement becomes restricted as there is a strong connection between the leg muscles and the brain. That’s why greater muscle strength is linked to better cognitive function according to top neurologists.

Older women who have strong leg muscles can expect to do better as far as the aging of the brain is the concerned as leg power is a good indication of how much exercise an individual is getting. Physical exercise has been shown to boost the brain’s growth hormone. This can improve memory, learning, and mood. Just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can greatly contribute to brain health and may even reverse cognitive decline.

The Link Between Brain Health and Exercise

Studies have also observed that the white matter, which makes up most of the brain, is thicker and denser in people who are more physically active. This translates into a greater capacity for memory and better cognitive function.

Physical exercises, especially those that incorporate leg movements send signals to the brain which boost new cell growth and maintain the health of existing ones. Neurological health is multi-faceted and being physically active is paramount to brain health. Restricting leg movements may affect new cell development and this can lead to a decline in brain health.

How Leg Exercises are Good for You!

Leg exercises can optimize the nervous system’s ability to function. That’s why exercises that focus on lower legs are really important as they have the largest muscles in the body and even habitual activities such as walking and standing can be enough.

Although scientists have not been able to discover the cause and effect relationship between stronger legs and quicker minds, they think that exercising leg muscles releases certain beneficial hormones. That’s why people who do not do load-bearing exercises may not just lose muscle mass, but their body chemistry could be altered at a cellular level.

The Importance of Exercise

There is growing evidence that exercise is not just good for the body but also for the brain but medical experts have not been able to establish a concrete link between the two. That being said, there is a general consensus that leading an active lifestyle can reduce the risk of dementia. That’s why you should try to remain physically active, especially if you are middle-aged to dial down your risk of developing dementia later on.

Consult a doctor if you have been experiencing memory difficulties and changes in thinking skills. You can find and book an appointment with a top neurologist in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad through oladoc. Moreover, you can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance in finding the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.