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A new study has confirmed the positive effects of exercise on insulin signaling proteins in the brain, suggesting that physical activity may help prevent dementia. The research, conducted by Rutgers University-New Brunswick and published in Aging Cell, demonstrates that specialized brain cells involved in insulin response are activated after exercise, potentially leading to improved cognition and memory.
Key Findings of the Study
The study, conducted in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging, focused on neuronal extracellular vesicles, microscopic transporters once dismissed as “cell dust.” These vesicles play a crucial role in carrying proteins involved in insulin sensitivity, particularly one called Akt.
Insulin sensitivity refers to the body’s ability to respond to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Individuals with low insulin sensitivity, such as those with diabetes, often experience cognitive decline due to the brain’s reduced ability to respond to insulin. This study suggests that exercise may counteract these negative effects by increasing insulin-sensitive vesicles in the bloodstream.
Experimental Study: Exercise and Insulin Sensitivity
The research included 21 participants, all around 60 years old and diagnosed with prediabetes. Over two weeks, these individuals engaged in 12 supervised exercise sessions, each lasting 60 minutes at moderate to high intensity. Participants ingested a glucose drink before and after each session, and blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study.
Findings revealed that the number of neuronal vesicles carrying insulin-sensitive proteins increased after each training session, with Akt levels showing the most significant rise. This suggests that regular exercise enhances insulin signaling in the brain, potentially slowing or preventing cognitive decline.
Insulin’s Role in Cognition and Brain Health
Insulin is essential for cognitive functions, including memory formation, recall, and synaptic communication between neurons. Prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, can lead to insufficient insulin in the brain, increasing the risk of dementia-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
“If insulin is insufficient in the brain, brain cells may become dysfunctional and fail to communicate properly,” said lead researcher Steven Malin, an associate professor at Rutgers University. He likened this dysfunction to the children’s game of telephone, where messages become increasingly garbled.
Potential Therapies and Future Research
These findings support the potential for developing therapies that target insulin signaling in the brain to slow dementia progression. Malin and his team are currently studying whether a single bout of exercise can improve the effects of intranasal insulin in older adults with obesity. Their long-term goal is to assess whether extended exercise programs can enhance brain insulin sensitivity and cognitive function in aging populations.
Reference
Two weeks of exercise alters neuronal extracellular vesicle insulin signaling proteins and pro-BDNF in older adults with prediabetes by Steven K. Malin et al., Aging Cell, October 18, 2024. DOI: 10.1111/acel.14369.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your exercise or health regimen.
