Sport and Exercise for Brain Health (FutureLearn)

Explore the impact of exercise in reducing the risk of disease and boosting brain health

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for dementia, and it has been shown that exercise itself can help to prevent or manage many risk factors for dementia.

On this course, you’ll explore the link between exercise and brain health with expertise from a former Olympian and professional athlete, physiotherapists, and top researchers and clinicians in the field to understand how physical activity is a key pillar of health and wellbeing globally.

Discover practical strategies used by athletes to maintain brain health

Athletes and professionals in the field of sport have a growing understanding of brain health and its risk factors.

You’ll have the unique opportunity to gain insight on brain health from a former Olympian and professional athlete. Through their experience, you’ll learn about some of the challenges athletes can face, and discover strategies for supporting brain health.

Become an advocate for brain health in your own communities

Although brain health has become more topical, misinformation on the subject is not uncommon, and there is a lack of strong evidence-based resources in place to guide individuals.

With the guidance and support of your expert educators, you’ll expand your knowledge and be empowered to spread awareness and advocate for good brain health.

Syllabus

Week 1: Brain Health for All

Week 2: Brain Health Meets Sport & Exercise

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Describe what brain health is and what the risk factors are for poor brain health

- Discuss benefits of sport, exercise, and physical activity (PA) on brain health, with a focus on specific areas or challenges relevant to athletes and their support networks

- Apply practical strategies for optimising brain health using evidence from sport and exercise

- Advocate for your own brain health, and that of others, seeing sport, exercise and physical activity (PA) as a critical tool