Do the brain benefits of exercise last?

[ActiveMSers]

This is a fascinating piece from The New York Times. How important is regular exercise for your brain? This article suggests it is quite important. And for folks with MS, where cognitive issues are common, I imagine it therefore would be critically important. Get thee to the gym! Make it a part of your daily routine. - Dave

It is well established that exercise bolsters the structure and function of the brain. Multiple animal and human studies have shown that a few months of moderate exercise can create new neurons, lift mood and hone memory and thinking.

But few studies have gone on to examine what happens next. Are these desirable brain changes permanent? Or, if someone begins exercising but then stops, does the brain revert to its former state, much like unused muscles slacken?

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/0...ep-exercising/