Final answer:
Physical exercise can help maintain cognitive abilities in middle age through increased blood flow, neurogenesis, and enhanced neurotransmitter levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physical exercise can help maintain cognitive abilities in middle age through various mechanisms:
- Increased blood flow and oxygen availability to the brain: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery, which is essential for optimal brain function.
- Promotion of neurogenesis: Aerobic exercise promotes the growth of new brain cells in the hippocampus, a region involved in memory and learning.
- Enhanced neurotransmitter levels: Exercise increases the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which contribute to improved memory retention, information processing, and cognition.