Study Shows Walking Boosts Brain Network Connections Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

Walking has been found to enhance connections within and between three key brain networks, one of which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. This new study from the University of Maryland School of Public Health adds to the existing evidence that exercise has significant benefits for brain health. The research, recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports, focused on older adults with varying levels of cognitive function.

The participants included individuals with normal brain function as well as those with mild cognitive impairment, which is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease characterized by a slight decline in mental abilities such as memory, reasoning, and judgment. Professor J. Carson Smith, a kinesiology expert at the School of Public Health and the lead researcher of the study, explained that the brain networks studied in this research typically show deterioration over time in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

As these brain networks become disconnected, people often experience difficulty thinking clearly and remembering information. However, the study demonstrated that exercise training can help strengthen these connections, potentially improving cognitive function. This study builds upon previous research conducted by Smith, which suggested that walking could reduce cerebral blood flow and enhance brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

To further investigate this connection, thirty-three participants between the ages of 71 and 85 engaged in supervised treadmill walking sessions four days a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the exercise program, participants were asked to read a short story and then recall it aloud in as much detail as possible. In addition to the cognitive tasks, participants also underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to assess changes in communication within and between the three brain networks responsible for cognitive function: - Default Mode Network: This network is active when individuals are not focused on a specific task and is linked to the hippocampus, one of the regions of the brain affected early in Alzheimer's disease.

- Frontoparietal Network: Responsible for decision-making during task performance and plays a role in memory. - Salience Network: Monitors external stimuli and determines what requires attention, facilitating the transition between networks for optimal cognitive performance. Following the 12-week exercise program, researchers conducted the same cognitive tasks and fMRI scans to evaluate any changes in participants' brain activity.

The results showed significant improvements in participants' ability to recall and retell stories after the exercise regimen. Smith noted, "The brain activity was stronger and more synchronized, indicating that exercise can induce changes and adaptations in the brain. These findings suggest that exercise may have the potential to prevent or stabilize mild cognitive impairment and delay the progression to Alzheimer's dementia in the long term.

" This study adds to the growing body of research supporting the benefits of exercise for brain health, particularly in older adults at risk of cognitive decline. By strengthening connections within key brain networks, walking and other forms of physical activity may prove to be valuable tools in maintaining cognitive function and potentially offsetting the effects of conditions like Alzheimer's disease. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant impact that exercise, such as walking, can have on brain health and cognitive function in older adults.

By promoting stronger connections within key brain networks, exercise may offer a promising strategy for preventing or delaying cognitive decline associated with conditions like mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.