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 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“.

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.