Existing studies show that exercise helps protect brain cells through mechanisms that researchers do not yet fully understand.
Researchers know that exercise increases brain glucose metabolism, which correlates with improved brain function. Studies show that exercise affects insulin resistance and has a complex relationship with body mass index (BMI) levels. A new study suggests that exercise plays a role in maintaining insulin and BMI levels, which may help stave off dementia by protecting gray matter volume in the brain.
A new study investigates the mechanisms involved in the relationship between exercise and brain health.
Previous research had shown that larger gray matter volume could help protect against dementia by improving brain function.
The new study shows that insulin resistance and BMI mediate the relationship between larger and smaller brain gray matter volumes (the part of the brain involved in processing information).
The research, published in the April 2022 online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The researchers examined the relationship between insulin and cardiovascular disease. The metabolic abnormalities that insulin causes raise the risk of cardiovascular complications, which in turn affect brain function.
Researchers found that insulin and BMI levels did not affect the metabolism of glucose in the brain.
Dr. Sheldon Zablow, assistant professor of medicine at University of California San Diego Medical School in La Jolla, CA. Dr. Zablow shared his comments about this study:
“Exercise has often been called food for the brain with many studies showing the benefit of exercise for improving brain health and reducing the risk of dementia.”
This current research study states that physical activity improves cognitive brain function by reducing BMI and improving insulin metabolism. Improvement in weight control can limit the rate of brain volume loss, a known risk factor for dementia.
How to keep your brain healthy as you age
- Manage blood pressure
- Control cholesterol
- Keep blood sugar normal
- Get physically active
- Eat a healthy diet
- Lose extra weight
- Don’t start smoking or quit