By Jenny Kemper, Director, Kemper Cognitive Wellness
A new study out of UC San Francisco has found that when elderly people remain active, their brains have more of a class of proteins that enhances synapses (connections between neurons) to maintain healthy cognition.
These protective proteins were found even in the autopsies of individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
“Maintaining the integrity of these connections between neurons may be vital to fending off dementia, since the synapse is really the site where cognition happens,” lead study author Kaitlin Casaletto, Ph.D. said. “Physical activity – a readily available tool – may help boost this synaptic functioning.” The neurotoxicity that leads to Alzheimer’s disease appears to be reduced when physical activity is incorporated into daily life.
Kemper Cognitive Wellness appreciates the value of movement and exercise in brain health; our innovative Brain Boot Camp and BrainFit® programs meet the physical and cognitive training needs of adults of all ages, especially those who are motivated to improve cognitively and push back against Alzheimer’s or dementia. One spot remains in each of our BrainFit® cohorts, Monday-Friday 10 am-12 pm, and 2:15 pm-4:15 pm in Rocky River. If you would like to learn more about either of these programs, call Kemper at 216/337-1400.
Learn more about the new UCSF study at https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/1/422086/exercise-alters-brain-chemistry-toprotect-agingsynapses.
