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The link between physical exercise and improved brain health is well established in science. However, new research has revealed that the cognitive benefits from certain types of physical activity can persist in older adults for an extended period—at least five years.
Researchers from the University of Queensland conducted an in-depth study on how maintaining physical activity can help prevent dementia. Specifically, they examined how much and what types of exercise are necessary to enhance cognitive functions.
How the Study Was Conducted
The university team found that high-intensity interval training conducted over six months reached a threshold for brain improvement, after which cognitive sharpness was maintained in the following years.
“Six months of high-intensity interval training is enough to flip the switch,” said Perry Bartlett, a professor of neurobiology and the lead author of the study.
During the study, 151 participants aged 65 to 85 were divided into three groups. For six months, volunteers in the first group engaged in low-intensity exercises (such as stretching), the second group performed moderate-intensity exercises (like brisk walking on a treadmill), and the third group undertook high-intensity exercises (maximum effort on stationary bikes).
Using a combination of brain scans and blood samples, researchers measured changes in the brains of all participants. It turned out that at the end of the exercise program, only participants in the third group showed immediate signs of improved brain function. This effect persisted over time, as reported by Science Alert.
“We followed them for five years after the program ended, and remarkably, the exercise effect on cognitive abilities remained, even if they did not continue training,” said Dr. Daniel Blackmore, a co-author of the study.
Conclusions Drawn by the Scientists
The neurobiology team has much work ahead. While brain scans combined with biomarkers provided valuable insights into the impact on cognitive abilities, scientists need to better understand how the brain benefits and what biological mechanisms are involved.
Researchers also aim to explore how genetic factors may influence the observed connection between exercise and brain health in larger populations. Different individuals respond to physical activity in various ways. Therefore, high-intensity exercise may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for cognitive decline.
Nonetheless, the study’s findings provide further evidence that physical activity can be used as a tool to combat dementia, which affects an increasing number of people worldwide each year. Moreover, the protective effect on the brain can extend for years.
“If we can change the trajectory of aging and maintain cognitive health in people longer through simple interventions like exercise, we could potentially save our society from the enormous personal, economic, and social costs associated with dementia,” noted Professor Bartlett. The study’s results were published in the journal Aging and Disease.
