Strong Legs, Sharp Mind: Study Reveals Surprising Link to Brain Health

• Traditional belief in almonds/puzzles for brain health challenged by new scientific findings.
• A 10-year study on 324 twin women found stronger leg extensor strength linked to significantly less cognitive decline.
• Women with stronger legs had more gray matter; every 40-watt leg strength increase correlated with a brain 3 years younger.
• Weak legs nearly triple the risk of dementia in middle-aged and older adults, according to Journal of Psychiatric Research.
• Strong lower body muscles support brain areas for decision-making and self-control, increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Why It Matters: Building and maintaining strong legs through physical activity is a crucial, often overlooked, way to keep your brain sharp.