The field of cognitive neuroscience was transformed by the discovery that exercise induces neurogenesis in the adult brain, with the potential to improve brain health and stave off the effects of neurodegenerative disease. However, the basic mechanisms underlying exercise-brain connections are not well understood. We use an evolutionary neuroscience approach to develop the adaptive capacity model (ACM), detailing how and why physical activity improves brain function based on an energy-minimizing strategy. Building on studies showing a combined benefit of exercise and cognitive challenge to enhance neuroplasticity, our ACM addresses two fundamental questions: (i) what are the proximate and ultimate mechanisms underlying age-related brain atrophy, and (ii) how do lifestyle changes influence the trajectory of healthy and pathological aging?

中文翻译：

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适应能力：将运动、认知和大脑健康联系起来的进化神经科学模型


认知神经科学领域因运动诱导成人大脑中的神经发生而改变，有可能改善大脑健康并避免神经退行性疾病的影响。然而，运动与大脑连接的基本机制尚不清楚。我们使用进化神经科学方法来开发适应能力模型（ACM），详细说明身体活动如何以及为何基于能量最小化策略改善大脑功能。基于显示运动和认知挑战对增强神经可塑性的综合益处的研究，我们的 ACM 解决了两个基本问题：(i) 年龄相关性脑萎缩的直接和最终机制是什么，以及 (ii) 生活方式的改变如何影响神经可塑性健康衰老和病理衰老的轨迹？