Exercise has long been touted for its cognitive benefits, and recent research from the University of Missouri supports this notion. A study published in the journal Physiology found that physical activity can help compensate for limited ketone production in the liver, potentially reversing some cognitive decline.
When the body is low on glucose, the liver produces ketones to generate energy and power the brain. However, individuals with liver conditions or those who experience reduced ketone production may need alternative ways to support their brain health. The researchers discovered that exercise activates “backup pathways” in the liver that enhance brain health even when ketone production is compromised.
The findings are particularly promising for older adults, who are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive decline conditions. Additionally, individuals with liver conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease may benefit from regular exercise.
According to lead researcher R. Scott Rector, exercise can protect the brain by maintaining memory, learning abilities, and the health of energy-producing factories in the brain. While ketone production is crucial for brain health, exercise appears to have compensatory mechanisms that support cognitive function, even when these pathways are impaired.
This research highlights the importance of exercise in preserving brain health as we age and underscores the need for further study into the mechanisms underlying this relationship. By understanding how exercise interacts with liver health and ketone metabolism, scientists may uncover new ways to prevent or slow down brain diseases.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/exercise-can-prevent-cognitive-decline-energy-lags-researchers-discover