Scientists Reveal the Exact Age When Exercise Boosts Brain Health the Most

 When Exercise Matters Most for Your Brain

Everyone already understands that staying active is good for the body. Whether it’s a quick walk or a full workout session, movement always brings benefits. But is there a particular period in life when exercise gives your brain an extra advantage?

Recent research suggests that there is a key decade when physical activity has its strongest impact on long-term brain health. A large study released this month found that being active during one specific stage of life can significantly reduce the chance of developing dementia.

So, what’s the crucial age range?

The Decade When Exercise Protects Brain Health

Research over many years has consistently shown that being active supports the mind as well as the body. However, the newest findings highlight that the biggest cognitive benefits appear between the mid-40s and mid-60s.

A long-running population study gathered activity data from several thousand adults to see how exercise influenced brain health across different stages of life.

During the follow-up period, a portion of the participants eventually developed dementia. People who engaged in moderate to higher-intensity activity during midlife—roughly ages 45 to 64—had about a 40% lower risk compared to those who were inactive.

The data also showed the importance of continuing those habits later on. Individuals who stayed physically active after age 65 were about 45% less likely to develop dementia compared to those who became or remained sedentary.

Does Being Active in Your 20s or 30s Help?

There are many reasons to exercise when you’re young, especially for overall physical and emotional health. But in this specific study, early adulthood (ages 26–44) did not show a clear connection between activity levels and later risk of dementia.

Instead, the strongest protective effect appeared in people who maintained regular physical activity during midlife and continued it into older age.