Study reveals: Sport keeps the brain fit and protects against dementia!

Study reveals: Sport keeps the brain fit and protects against dementia!

On July 10, 2025, researchers from the International School of Management (ISM) led by Prof. Dr. Henning Budde presented important new findings on the impact of physical activity on brain activity. The results come from a study that examined the impact of intense anaerobic exercise on electrocortical activity in athletes and non-athletes. For this study, electroencephalography (EEG) was used to analyze specific cortical areas responsible for attention and visual stimuli.

The study is titled “Effect of high-intensity anaerobic exercise on electrocortical activity in athletes and non-athletes” and highlights both short-term and long-term effects. In particular, modern pentathlon athletes were examined, with the results showing significant changes after intensive exercise in both trained athletes and non-athletes. While athletes showed lasting adjustments in their brain activity, short-term effects also occurred in non-athletes, highlighting the importance of physical activity in improving cognitive function. These findings were published in the renowned journal PLOS One published.

Cognitive fitness and physical activity

The results of Budde's study correlate with other research examining the influence of regular physical activity on cognitive decline and the risk of dementia. A retrospective analysis of 327 patients in a dementia clinic found that active individuals performed significantly better on neuropsychological tests than their inactive counterparts. Electrophysiological measurements of brain activity were also carried out, which showed that active lifestyles have positive effects on cognitive abilities. These findings could be important for the development of new therapeutic strategies, especially given the predicted increase in dementia by around 40% by 2030, according to the WHO.

The main risk factor for dementia is age, although other factors such as physical inactivity and obesity must also be taken into account. A study highlights that up to a third of dementia cases worldwide can be attributed to modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity. Targeted activities could reduce the risk of dementia by up to 45%, which highlights the need for prevention and therapy concepts.

Individual differences and future studies

Despite the positive effects, science continues to search for the most effective sports and stress parameters that can support neuronal plasticity. Significant but heterogeneous results were found in numerous studies, which illustrates the complexity of the topic. The mechanisms of exercise-induced neuroplasticity are only rudimentarily understood, so future clinical studies are necessary. These should take individual differences in response to physical activity into account more closely and develop personalized recommendations for training.

Overall, current research results show that physical activity can significantly benefit not only physical but also cognitive health. A conscious lifestyle could not only improve sporting performance, but also sustainably reduce the risk of cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases. These knowledge-based approaches are a step in the right direction to address demographic change and the associated social challenges.

The study results highlight the need for increased research and the development of tailored training programs to help the population achieve a better quality of life in the long term.