Regular cardio exercise may lower Alzheimer's and dementia risk

Your brain loves it when you exercise, especially when you move enough to make your heart beat faster.

That kind of exercise is called cardio, like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.

Cardio sends more blood to your brain, giving brain cells the oxygen and food they need.

It also makes a special helper protein called BDNF, which some doctors call the brain's 'growth fertilizer.'

BDNF helps brain cells grow, fix themselves, and stay connected, which is how we learn and remember things.

Regular exercise can lower your chances of getting brain illnesses like Alzheimer's and dementia.

Some people think it is too late to start if you are older, but doctors say that is a myth.

Starting in midlife or even later still helps your brain stay sharp.

Lifting weights is good too, but doctors say cardio has stronger proof that it protects the brain.

Experts suggest about 150 minutes of gentle heart-pumping exercise each week, plus some strength training twice a week.