High levels of physical activity may help mitigate brain deterioration and promote long-term cognitive health in adults, according to a new study conducted by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, suggests that engaging in regular physical fitness activities could reduce the risk of age-related brain atrophy and potentially slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).
“Age-related brain atrophy is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and our study suggests that improving physical fitness may help reduce the risk,” said Dr. Rong Zhang, senior author of the study and Professor of Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, and Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern.
ADRD, a group of conditions that impair memory, cognitive functions, and daily activities, primarily affects older adults. The CDC estimates that more than 6 million people in the U.S. currently live with ADRD, with projections indicating nearly 14 million could be affected by 2060.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from 172 sedentary but otherwise healthy adults, aged 22 to 81, from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Participants underwent cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) tests, cognitive assessments, and MRI scans. The researchers used peak oxygen consumption to gauge CRF, with higher values indicating better physical fitness.
The results revealed a clear connection between aging and reductions in gray matter volume and cortical thickness in the brain. However, those with higher peak oxygen consumption—indicating better cardiorespiratory fitness—showed less age-related shrinkage in key brain regions.
Specifically, the study highlighted the right superior parietal region, which plays a critical role in cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, and verbal fluency. Participants with higher fitness levels exhibited larger volumes in this area, correlating with better cognitive performance. This was true for both men and women, suggesting that physical fitness could help preserve brain function across genders.
Dr. Zhang emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that lifelong physical activity could potentially prevent or slow brain aging, delaying the onset of ADRD. “This study supports the idea that maintaining physical fitness throughout life could be an effective strategy for preserving cognitive health as we age,” Dr. Zhang concluded.
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