S4E1: How Does Exercise Change Your Brain?

Dr. Cindy Barha and Dr. Liisa Galea go way back! Dr. Cindy started her training in Liisa's lab, way back when, and has since built a leading research career uncovering how exercise shapes brain health. Together, they dig into what women actually need to know about movement and the mind. They break down how exercise changes the brain — from the role of BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) to neuroplasticity — and why sex differences matter in this science. You’ll hear how women can experience greater gains in certain aspects of cognition with specific types of exercise, and what the newest research is revealing about which forms of movement best support women’s brain health across the lifespan. From aerobic training to resistance training, the scientists unpack how different exercise modalities may uniquely benefit women’s brains — and what this means for building a movement routine that truly supports long term cognitive health. Host: Dr. Liisa Galea Editor: Dr. Andrew McGovern Producer: Dr. Andrew McGovern Marketing: Felicia Gisondi Music by Dr. Andrew McGovern New episodes of Women’s Health Interrupted will be available every Wednesday. Please rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Women's Health Research Cluster on their website: https://womenshealthresearchcluster.com/