Many people know exercise is good for the body, but few realize how important it is for the brain. Neurologist Dr. Kim Johnson Hatchett warns that muscle weakness can quietly harm brain health by reducing nerve growth factor (NGF), a key protein that supports brain cells.
In today’s busy, sedentary lifestyle, many people in their 30s and 40s skip exercise without realizing it raises their risk of dementia. Just a little daily movement can make a big difference for brain function.
Strength training is especially important as we age. Muscle mass declines after 50, and without regular exercise, even simple tasks become harder. This physical decline can also affect mental sharpness.
Dr. Hatchett reminds us: getting weaker with age is not inevitable. Strength training is an investment in your future health—and the best time to start is now.