Regular aerobic exercise slows a key marker of brain aging in midlife
A year of consistent aerobic exercise didn’t just improve fitness levels; it demonstrably impacted a key marker of brain aging in adults between 26 and 58 years old. Researchers found that regular physical activity may play a role in preserving brain health well before the onset of age-related cognitive decline.
Exercise and the Brain: A New Understanding
Lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity, are increasingly recognized for their influence on brain health. Existing research links regular exercise in midlife to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease later in life. This new study, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, adds to this understanding by pinpointing a measurable effect of exercise on brain age itself.
How the Study Worked
The study involved 130 participants who were relatively healthy but not regularly exercising. Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a control group. Those in the exercise group completed two 60-minute supervised sessions per week, supplemented by at-home exercise, aiming for a total of 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
Researchers assessed participants’ CRF and brain age at the beginning of the study and again after 12 months. Brain age was measured using a neuroimaging technique called brain-predicted age difference, or brain-PAD, which uses structural MRI scans and machine learning to estimate brain age.
Significant Findings: Turning Back the Clock
The results showed a clear connection between improved CRF and a reduction in brain-PAD. Participants in the exercise group experienced an average reduction of approximately 0.60 years in brain-PAD after 12 months. In contrast, the control group showed a non-significant increase of about 0.35 years. This difference equates to nearly a one-year, 0.95-year, reduction in brain-PAD for those who exercised.
The study also found a significant improvement in maximal oxygen uptake – a measure of cardiovascular fitness – in the exercise group. No significant changes were observed in body composition, blood pressure, or levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in either group, although BDNF showed a borderline increase in the exercise group.
What This Means for the Future
While this study demonstrates a positive link between exercise and a marker of brain aging, further research is needed. It remains to be seen whether these changes in brain-PAD translate into sustained cognitive benefits or a reduced risk of dementia over the long term. It is possible that future studies will explore the optimal intensity and duration of exercise for maximizing brain health benefits.
Researchers noted that approximately 62 percent of participants completed post-intervention brain imaging, and COVID-19 disruptions impacted follow-up assessments. These factors could influence the broader applicability of the findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is brain-PAD?
Brain-PAD, or brain-predicted age difference, is a neuroimaging biomarker that quantifies the difference between a person’s chronological age and their predicted brain age, as determined by structural MRI scans and machine learning algorithms.
What is CRF?
CRF refers to the ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to working muscles during sustained physical activity. It is often measured by maximal oxygen uptake.
Did the study look at cognitive performance?
No, cognitive performance and dementia outcomes were not primary endpoints of this trial. The study focused on the impact of exercise on CRF and brain-PAD, a neuroimaging-based marker of brain aging.
Given these findings, how might you adjust your lifestyle to prioritize long-term brain health?