08/28/2025
Your legs may be the secret to long-term brain health. A groundbreaking 10-year study from King’s College London followed 324 female twins and discovered that leg strength was a stronger predictor of cognitive health than genetics. Twins with more powerful legs at the start experienced slower cognitive decline and better-preserved grey matter a decade later. Because the twin study design controlled for genes and early environment, the findings highlight leg power as a unique driver of brain health. Researchers suggest the link comes from improved blood flow, growth factors, and muscle-brain communication pathways activated by lower-body exercise. The takeaway is simple but powerful: squats, lunges, climbing stairs, and resistance training may be among the best investments for a sharper mind.
