Physical activity helps the brain stay healthy longer

As explained, the glymphatic system removes metabolic waste from the brain, including toxic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. It is particularly active during deep sleep. However, as we age, the quality of sleep often decreases, and the system’s capabilities are reduced. This is where physical activity comes in, as it indirectly enhances the system’s functioning in several ways.

It has been found that physical exercise:

• reduce pressure and vascular stiffness — this improves the conditions for the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, which washes the brain;
• reduce inflammation in brain tissue and the level of norepinephrine at rest;
• improve neural activity;
• make sleep deeper and increase the proportion of slow-wave activity, it is during these phases that the glimphatic system works most intensively

It is important that this is not about any special load, because the key factor is regularity and the ability to raise the pulse. According to experts, the earlier a person forms such a healthy habit, the higher the chances of maintaining cognitive health in their later years.

However, it is too early to provide precise recommendations regarding the amount and type of exercise. Researchers are eagerly awaiting new observations that will reveal which activities are most beneficial for the glymphatic system and how they can help individuals with existing cognitive impairments.