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While many people are aware of the physical benefits of staying active, a groundbreaking new study suggests that exercise may be just as crucial for maintaining brain health—particularly as we age. Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that just 10 days of physical inactivity can significantly impact the brain, potentially accelerating cognitive decline and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Nathan Kerr, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Missouri, often visits his 81-year-old mentor Frank Booth, a longtime researcher at the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Booth, who has spent his career advocating for active lifestyles, is a living testament to the importance of physical activity. “You’re not going to find someone with more enthusiasm for what they do than Frank,” said Kerr. “He’s the definition of someone who practices what they preach.”
Booth, who has worked at Mizzou since 1999, is not just passionate about promoting active living—he is also dedicated to studying the detrimental effects of physical inactivity. His recent research, co-authored by Kerr, sheds new light on the dangers of muscle disuse.
In their study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Booth and Kerr found that a mere 10 days of muscle disuse led to insulin resistance and elevated mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the hippocampus—the region of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Furthermore, their research also showed that this short period of inactivity increased markers for proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
“Staying physically active isn’t just good for your physical health; it also preserves your brain health,” said Booth. “Our findings confirm that muscle disuse can have a detrimental effect on brain function, contributing to conditions like Alzheimer’s. This is more evidence of the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.”
The research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing or delaying neurodegenerative diseases. According to Booth, while life expectancy has increased in the U.S. over the past several decades, the “health span”—the number of disease-free years—is on the decline, particularly after age 65.
“Physical inactivity has already been linked to insulin resistance in the body, and we’re now starting to understand how it affects the brain as well,” Booth explained. “By promoting an active lifestyle, we hope to help people live longer, healthier, and more enjoyable lives.”
The good news is that it doesn’t take much to make a difference. Booth emphasized that even small changes in lifestyle—such as introducing periodic exercise into daily routines—can have a significant impact on health outcomes.
“Research has shown that the greatest improvements come from people who go from no exercise to some exercise,” he said. “It’s more impactful than someone who already exercises periodically but switches to regular exercise. The key is to start.”
Booth also pointed out that neurological changes related to Alzheimer’s can begin in the 40s and 50s, often long before an official diagnosis is made. “Developing good exercise and lifestyle habits earlier in life may have lasting benefits for your brain as you age,” he said.
Booth’s research, along with the collaborative work of Laurel Grisanti and Scott Rector, is part of a broader effort to understand the complex relationship between muscle health and cognitive function. Their study marks an important step forward in understanding how physical activity—or lack thereof—can shape brain health in older adults.
As the research continues, one thing is clear: staying active isn’t just good for the body, it’s essential for preserving the mind. And, as Frank Booth’s own example shows, it’s never too late to start.
For more information on the study, visit the Journal of Applied Physiology or refer to the article Hindlimb Immobilization Induces Insulin Resistance and Elevates Mitochondrial ROS Production in the Hippocampus of Female Rats by Nathan R. Kerr and colleagues.
Journal Information
Journal of Applied Physiology
DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00234.2024
