Exercise Builds Brain Structure in Schizophrenia

An astounding study has shown that aerobic exercise¹ can generate new brain structure in vital regions of the brain affected by schizophrenia.

The researchers looked specifically at the size of the hippocampus, which is regulated in tandem with the entorhinal cortex, brain structures needed for memory, learning, and appropriate behavior. 

Following a three month aerobic exercise training program the hippocampus size of schizophrenia patients increased by 12%.  Nerve transmission within the hippocampus had improved and memory tests also improved. 

It now appears that the front line support for schizophrenia and psychosis should include aerobic exercise, DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement. fish oil, and other nutrients that promote healthy brain structure and improved synaptic plasticity Ability of the connection or synapse between two neurons to change in strength because of either use or lack of use.. 

Simply relying on drugs like atypical antipsychotics to suppress symptoms is not going to do anything to solve the brain connectivity issues at the source of this problem.  Rather, these drugs make a person overweight and even diabetic, in turn making them more unfit and less likely to do the exercise that would actually help restore the structure of their brain.