What brain scans reveal about the powerful impact of physical exercise on brain health …

It turns out your brain loves movement — maybe even more than your muscles do. While many chase fitness for toned abs or heart health, Dr. Daniel Amen’s groundbreaking brain imaging work at Amen Clinics has revealed something even more striking: physical exercise fuels sharper thinking, better moods, and stronger protection against aging and disease. Your brain, quite literally, works better when you move.

Dr. Amen has reviewed over 250,000 brain scans and repeatedly shown that active bodies produce healthier brains. These aren’t just theoretical benefits — SPECT imaging reveals how exercise improves cerebral blood flow, strengthens frontal lobe activity, and enhances the brain’s ability to regenerate and protect itself. In fact, when comparing the brains of sedentary individuals to those who exercise regularly, the difference in function and longevity is as clear as night and day.

Why movement changes your brain
Dr. Amen’s research shows that one of the greatest gifts of exercise is the delivery system it provides. Movement enhances blood flow, delivering more oxygen and glucose to the brain, the exact fuel it needs to function well. This uptick in circulation also assists with DNA repair at the cellular level, protects neurons from harmful free radicals, and improves how the brain metabolizes cholesterol and other lipids.

Perhaps most notably, exercise promotes better glucose regulation through improved insulin sensitivity. It also enhances the brain’s ability to manage stress, especially in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center, which is one of the few regions capable of growing new neurons. Increased blood flow triggered by movement also boosts the tone and flexibility of blood vessels by increasing nitric oxide. The result? A brain that’s not just stronger but also more resilient.

Sharper thinking, stronger moods, longer life
The benefits extend far beyond memory. Dr. Amen’s findings support what other research has consistently shown: people who engage in regular physical activity enjoy improved cognition, greater psychological well-being, lower inflammation, and significantly reduced risk of dementia. Movement also amplifies the effects of antidepressants and anti-anxiety treatments by naturally increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. It even boosts levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which plays a crucial role in learning and neuroplasticity.

Exercise doesn’t just improve how the brain works; it improves how people feel in their bodies. Regular movement supports bone density, metabolic health, agility, and overall vitality. In fact, Dr. Amen likes to point out that people who exercise often report a stronger sense of confidence and well-being. But he also cautions against extremes — long-distance endurance sports, like marathons, can lead to oxidative stress and even DNA damage, potentially counteracting the benefits.

What exercise looks like in real life
For the brain, not all exercise is created equal. Dr. Amen recommends smart, sustainable movement that also engages the mind. One of his favorite brain-boosting activities is table tennis. It may sound lighthearted, but it’s deeply strategic, requiring fast reflexes, mental calculation, and continuous physical engagement. Brain scans show it increases blood flow to the cerebellum and frontal lobes while also carrying a lower risk of traumatic brain injury.

Dancing is another highly recommended activity, especially choreographed routines that involve coordination, rhythm, and memory. Walking briskly (“like you’re late for work”) four times a week for 45 minutes is one of the simplest but most effective practices. Pair that with strength training at least twice a week and you’ve created a powerful shield against aging and cognitive decline. According to Dr. Amen, muscular strength is directly linked to protection from Alzheimer’s disease.

Exercise is braincare, not just bodycare
The science is clear: movement changes the brain. But Dr. Amen’s research makes it personal. He’s shown again and again that a proactive, movement-rich lifestyle literally alters the function, activity, and long-term viability of your brain. Whether you’re fending off cognitive decline or just hoping to feel sharper, more focused, and more alive, physical exercise isn’t a bonus, it’s a necessity.

Scotty