Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Walking boosts brain connectivity and memory in older adults: Study

In this particular study, a group of thirty-three participants aged between 71 and 85 years was closely supervised while walking on a treadmill four days a week over a period of 12 weeks

Walking boosts brain connectivity and memory in older adults: Study

A new study conducted by the University of Maryland School of Public Health reveals that walking improves connections within and between three brain networks, including one linked to Alzheimer's disease.

This research contributes to the increasing volume of evidence indicating that exercise has positive effects on brain health.


Published this month in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, the study examined the brains and story recollection skills of older adults exhibiting normal brain function, as well as those with mild cognitive impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment denotes a mild decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory, reasoning, and judgment, and is considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

J. Carson Smith, a kinesiology professor with the School of Public Health and principal investigator of the study said, "Historically, the brain networks we studied in this research show deterioration over time in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

"They become disconnected, and as a result, people lose their ability to think clearly and remember things. We're demonstrating that exercise training strengthens these connections."

The current study expands on Smith's earlier investigations, which demonstrated the potential of walking to reduce cerebral blood flow and enhance brain function in older adults dealing with mild cognitive impairment.

In this particular study, a group of thirty-three participants aged between 71 and 85 years was closely supervised while walking on a treadmill four days a week over a period of 12 weeks.

Prior to commencing the exercise programme and after its completion, researchers instructed the participants to read a brief story and subsequently recall it aloud, focusing on providing as many details as they could remember.

The participants in the study also underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to enable researchers to quantify alterations in communication within and between the three brain networks responsible for cognitive function:

Default mode network: This network becomes active when an individual is not engaged in a specific task, such as daydreaming or thinking about their grocery list.

It is intricately linked to the hippocampus, one of the brain regions that experiences early effects from Alzheimer's disease.

Additionally, tests often reveal the presence of Alzheimer's-related indicators like amyloid plaques, which are abnormal protein deposits surrounding nerve cells, in this network.

The frontoparietal network: This network is responsible for regulating decision-making processes when individuals are engaged in tasks. It also plays a role in memory functions.

The salience network: This network monitors external stimuli and the surrounding environment, determining what deserves attention. It also facilitates seamless transitions between different brain networks to optimize overall cognitive performance.

Following a 12-week exercise intervention, researchers conducted repeat tests and observed notable enhancements in the participants' capacity to recall the story, indicating significant improvements in their story recall abilities.

"The brain activity was stronger and more synchronized, demonstrating exercise actually can induce the brain's ability to change and adapt," said Smith.

"These results provide even more hope that exercise may be useful as a way to prevent or help stabilize people with mild cognitive impairment and maybe, over the long term, delay their conversion to Alzheimer's dementia."

(ANI)

More For You

AP Dhillon

From dropping beats to dropping jaws—AP Dhillon steals the show at Chanel in Paris

AP Dhillon owns the spotlight: From Brown Munde to Chanel’s front row in Paris

From selling out arenas to sitting front row at Chanel’s Paris Fashion Week show, the Punjabi rap superstar is moving in spaces once reserved for fashion’s elite. And he’s doing it with the same effortless swagger that made him a household name across South Asia and now, Europe.

AP Dhillon brings his signature style to Chanel’s front row

Keep ReadingShow less
NHS Greenlights New Daily Pill for Endometriosis Relief

This new pill can be taken at home

iStock

NHS approves new daily pill for endometriosis treatment in the UK

A new daily pill, relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone, designed to treat endometriosis, has been approved for use across England’s NHS. This medication provides a convenient and effective alternative to traditional treatments, offering relief for women suffering from this painful condition.

A Breakthrough in Endometriosis Care

Keep ReadingShow less
budget friendly spring destinations

Lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices

iStock

Top 7 budget-friendly spring destinations for 2025

With spring break just around the corner, it's time to lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices. Booking three weeks to a month in advance can help secure the best deals. Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a great time for travel, with airfares for international trips down by 3% and hotel rates decreasing by 2%, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable trip without breaking the bank. Here are seven top destinations to explore on a budget this spring.

1. Big Bear, California

Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaiStock

Keep ReadingShow less
slushies

Slushy drinks attract young children with their bright colours and taste

istock

Doctors urge children under 8 to avoid slushies due to glycerol risks

Children’s love for brightly coloured, sweet beverages, such as slushy ice drinks, may come with hidden dangers, according to new research that highlights the risks posed by glycerol, a common ingredient in these products. Doctors are now urging that children under eight should completely avoid slushy drinks that contain glycerol, as they may cause serious health issues, including loss of consciousness and shock.

The call for revised health advice comes in response to a recent study conducted by paediatricians in the UK and Ireland. The research, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, examined 21 cases of children aged between two and seven who required emergency treatment shortly after drinking glycerol-containing slushies. These cases, all from 2018 to 2024, involved children who became acutely ill within an hour of consuming the drinks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lab-grown food may hit UK shelves in two years

The FSA aims to approve two lab-grown products within two years.

iStock

Lab-grown food may hit UK shelves in two years

In a world where technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that the food on our plates is next in line for a revolution. Lab-grown meat, dairy, and even sugar could be available for human consumption in the UK within the next two years, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This development marks a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable and innovative food production. But as the UK prepares to embrace this futuristic fare, questions about safety, ethics, and environmental impact loom large.

What is lab-grown food?

Lab-grown food, also known as cultivated or cell-based food, is produced by cultivating animal or plant cells in controlled environments. For example, meat is grown from animal cells in bioreactors, while sugar alternatives can be created by modifying yeast or other microorganisms. These products are designed to replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of traditional foods but without the need for large-scale farming or animal slaughter.

Keep ReadingShow less