A recent study conducted by scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick has explored the potential link between exercise and improved brain function. The research, published in Aging Cell, suggests that physical activity may enhance how the brain responds to insulin, which could help in reducing the risk of dementia.
The study was led by Steven Malin, an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences. “We believe this work is important because it suggests exercise may work to improve cognition and memory by improving the abilities of insulin to act on the brain,” Malin stated.
Malin’s research focuses on neuronal extracellular vesicles, tiny particles released by the brain that have been recognized as significant players in cellular communication. These vesicles carry proteins involved in insulin sensitivity, including a protein called Akt.
The study involved 21 volunteers with prediabetes who participated in a two-week exercise program consisting of 12 supervised sessions. Blood samples collected before and after exercise showed an increase in neuronal vesicles carrying proteins related to insulin sensitivity. “We showed for the first time that exercise impacts insulin signaling from neuronal extracellular vesicles in relation to clinical improvements in blood sugar,” Malin explained.
Insulin plays a crucial role not only in regulating blood sugar but also in cognitive functions such as memory formation and processing speed. According to Malin, insufficient levels of insulin can lead to dysfunctional brain cells and poor communication between them, increasing dementia risk.
“Exercise may work to improve cognition and memory by improving the abilities of insulin to act on the brain,” reiterated Malin. He further noted that therapies targeting brain insulin action might help prevent dementia progression.
In collaboration with other researchers, including Michal Beeri from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and scientists from the National Institute on Aging like Dimitrios Kapogiannis, Maja Mustapic, and Francheska Delgado-Peraza, future studies will investigate whether single bouts of exercise can enhance cognitive health through improved brain blood flow and neuronal function.
Malin concluded that understanding these mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic strategies for maintaining cognitive health as people age.
