Many of us know the importance of keeping our bodies active, but few realize the profound connection between muscle movement and brain health. According to Dr. Kim Johnson Hatchett, a neurologist, the scariest thing she regularly observes is how neglecting physical activity, particularly strength training, impacts the brain in alarming ways. Let’s explore what she reveals as the most dangerous habit people are adopting, which could lead to lasting damage.
Muscle Weakness: A Silent Brain Killer
Dr. Hatchett emphasizes in a TikTok that muscle weakness is closely tied to brain function, more than many people realize. When her patients complain of physical weakness or mobility issues, they often don’t connect it to the health of their brain. However, neglecting muscle movement deprives the brain of nerve growth factor (NGF), a critical peptide that supports neurons and myelin, which are essential for maintaining cognitive function.
The Inactivity Epidemic
The modern lifestyle, where many prioritize work or leisure activities like binge-watching TV shows over physical exercise, only exacerbates this issue. In their 30s and 40s, people often sacrifice exercise for busy schedules, unaware that skipping workouts can have severe implications on brain health later in life. As Dr. Hatchett points out, “Even a little bit of daily movement reduces your dementia risk“.2
The Brain’s Response to Exercise
Every time you exercise, particularly through cardio and strength training, blood flow to the brain increases, improving cognitive function. Engaging in new physical activities, like learning a sport or practicing a new workout, creates new connections in the brain. Repeating these activities helps strengthen those connections, bolstering both physical and mental resilience.
The Importance of Strength Training
Muscle mass naturally decreases as we age, with a notable drop-off after age 50. Without regular strength training, the body loses muscle at a faster rate, which impacts everyday tasks like lifting groceries or walking long distances. Dr. Hatchett stresses the importance of incorporating strength exercises into daily routines to maintain mobility and cognitive function well into old age.
Taking Control of the Aging Process
One of Dr. Hatchett’s core messages is that the weakening of the body and mind as we age is not inevitable. Regular physical activity, especially strength training, acts as an investment in future health. Just as people save money for retirement, exercising today ensures a higher quality of life tomorrow.
Conclusion
Dr. Hatchett’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that physical and mental health are interconnected. Regular exercise, particularly strength training, can prevent muscle weakness and safeguard cognitive function as we age. It’s never too early to start investing in your brain’s future through movement. As she wisely says, “Getting weaker as you age is not inevitable“—and the best time to start is now.