Grow New Neurons and Repair Old Ones.

As related in a Super Age online article "A new meta-analysis in the Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness pulled together data from 11 randomized controlled trials and found that traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs, for short) significantly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in middle-aged and older adults. Why does that matter? Because BDNF is like Miracle-Gro for your brain. It helps grow new neurons, repair old ones, and keep your cognitive functions sharp as you age.

BDNF is closely linked to learning, memory, and neuroplasticity, your brain’s ability to adapt and change. Low levels have been associated with Alzheimer’s, depression, and cognitive decline."

According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, BDNF "plays an important role in neuronal survival and growth, serves as a neurotransmitter modulator, and participates in neuronal plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory. It is widely expressed in the CNS, gut and other tissues. BDNF binds to its high affinity receptor TrkB (tyrosine kinase B) and activates signal transduction cascades (IRS1/2, PI3K, Akt), crucial for CREB and CBP production, that encode proteins involved in β cell survival. BDNF and insulin-like growth factor-1 have similar downstream signaling mechanisms incorporating both p-CAMK and MAPK that increase the expression of pro-survival genes. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor regulates glucose and energy metabolism and prevents exhaustion of β cells. Decreased levels of BDNF are associated with neurodegenerative diseases with neuronal loss, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and Huntington's disease. Thus, BDNF may be useful in the prevention and management of several diseases including diabetes mellitus."

Although most previous studies looked at Tai Chi and it's effects on health, Tai Chi was derived from Qigong, using the same postures but as a martial art. So, I believe that Qigong achieves the same results or better with it's concentration on moving and working with the life force energy, Qi.

The Super Age article goes on to report:

"Traditional Chinese exercises like Tai Chi and Qigong integrate breathing, intentional movement, and mental focus. This trifecta seems to activate the body’s parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and restore” mode), while subtly challenging balance, coordination, and attention. The result is a kind of moving mindfulness that appears to shift brain chemistry in your favor.

What makes this study especially compelling is the population: healthy adults over 45. So we’re not just talking about people recovering from illness or already in cognitive decline—this is about prevention and optimization in the prime of life.

This isn’t the first time TCEs have shown promising brain benefits.

Other studies have linked Tai Chi to:

1. Improved Working Memory and Executive Function:

• A meta-analysis of 20 studies indicated that Tai Chi enhances executive function—which includes abilities like multitasking, time management, and decision-making—in individuals without cognitive decline.

  
  

2. Reduced Inflammation Markers Impacting Brain Health:

• Research suggests that Tai Chi can improve cognitive functions and alleviate symptoms of mild cognitive impairment by modulating inflammation factors.

  
  

3. Better Sleep, Supporting BDNF Production and Memory Consolidation:

• Regular exercise, including practices like Tai Chi, can indirectly boost memory and thinking skills by improving mood and sleep, and by reducing stress and anxiety.

Even the Mayo Clinic has called Tai Chi “meditation in motion,” noting its role in reducing stress and improving mood."