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New Brunswick, NJ – A groundbreaking study led by Rutgers University-New Brunswick scientists has revealed that exercise directly enhances brain function by activating specialized cells involved in insulin response. The findings, published in the journal Aging Cell, suggest that therapies targeting insulin action in the brain could potentially prevent or slow down dementia progression.
“This research indicates that exercise may improve cognitive function and memory by enhancing insulin’s effectiveness in the brain,” explained Steven Malin, an associate professor of Kinesiology and Health at Rutgers and the study’s lead author.
The study focused on neuronal extracellular vesicles, tiny structures released by brain cells that transport crucial molecules like proteins. Researchers observed that exercise increased the number of these vesicles carrying proteins related to insulin sensitivity, particularly a protein called Akt. Insulin sensitivity, a measure of how well the body responds to insulin, is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels and maintaining brain health.
The study involved 21 participants with prediabetes who engaged in 12 supervised exercise sessions over two weeks. Blood samples collected before and after exercise demonstrated a significant increase in the number of insulin-sensitive vesicles.
“This is the first time we’ve shown that exercise impacts insulin signaling from neuronal extracellular vesicles, which can serve as an indicator of brain insulin sensitivity,” Malin said.
Insulin plays a vital role in cognitive function, including memory formation, recall, and communication between brain cells. In individuals with prediabetes, insulin resistance in the brain can impair these functions, increasing the risk of developing dementia.
“If insulin is insufficient in the brain, not only do brain cells become dysfunctional, but their communication is also disrupted,” Malin explained. “It’s like playing a game of telephone – the message gets distorted as it travels through an insulin-resistant brain.”
While the mechanisms behind exercise’s cognitive benefits have remained unclear, this study provides crucial insights. It suggests that therapies targeting brain insulin action could offer a promising avenue for preventing or mitigating the effects of dementia.
Malin and his team are currently investigating whether a single exercise session can enhance the cognitive benefits of intranasal insulin in older adults with obesity. They also plan to conduct a long-term exercise study to further assess the impact of exercise on brain insulin sensitivity and cognitive function in older adults.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information and should not be considered medical advice.
Source: Steven K. Malin et al, Two weeks of exercise alters neuronal extracellular vesicle insulin signaling proteins and pro‐BDNF in older adults with prediabetes, Aging Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1111/acel.14369
