Archive · 23 Jun 2025
Study: Walking Can Increase Brain Size and Sharpen Cognition
Walking can make your brain healthier!
A study showed that people who walked for 40 minutes, three times a week, had bigger brains, especially in the part that helps with memory.
This part, called the hippocampus, can shrink as you get older.
Walking can help keep it from shrinking and even make it grow!
The study compared walking to stretching.
The walking group had better results.
Walking increases blood flow to the brain, which helps it grow and work better.
It's like giving your brain a workout!
Walking 40 minutes, three times a week can increase brain size.
The hippocampus, involved in memory, grew in the walking group.
Study participants were between 55 and 80 years old.
Walking improves cognitive ability and may prevent cognitive decline.
Walking boosts blood flow, stimulating growth hormone and new synapses.
- Who
- Men and women between 55 and 80 years old participated in the study.
- What
- Walking for 40 minutes, three times a week increases brain size, specifically the hippocampus.
- When
- The study results were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
- Where
- The study did not mention a specific location.
- Why
- To improve cognitive ability and prevent cognitive decline.
Exercise Group
Stretching Group
Exercise Type and Brain Growth
Exercise Group
Walking regularly increases brain size, especially the hippocampus.
Stretching Group
Stretching and toning exercises does not have the same effect as the walking exercise.
- Study Duration
- Not specified
- Participants
- Men and women aged 55-80
- Walking Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Walking Duration
- 40 minutes
- Brain Area Affected
- Hippocampus
- Result in walking group
- Hippocampus grew by 2%