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A new study examines how memory and exercise are connected.Scientists studied the human brain and discovered how much exercise may help prevent memory loss over time.Experts share their thoughts on the findings.<\/p>\n3 min readA new study examines how memory and exercise are connected.Scientists studied the human brain and discovered how much exercise may help prevent memory loss over time.Experts share their thoughts on the findings.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a growing collection of evidence that says exercise boosts brain health<\/a>. A new study adds to the findings and zooms in. Specifically, scientists found that exercise may prevent memory loss.<\/p>\n Researchers studied patients with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing invasive monitoring for a procedure, which allowed them to intimately and accurately track brain activity in real time using an intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG)<\/a> that recorded activity using surgically implanted electrodes, or small metal conductive disks.<\/p>\n Meet the Experts: Dinesh Sivakolundu, M.D., Ph.D.<\/a>, a neurologist at MS Neuromuscular Center of Excellence; and Kamal Wagle, M.D<\/a>., a geriatric medicine physician at Hackensack Meridian Health.<\/p>\n For the study, published in Brain Communications<\/a>, participants first engaged in 20 minutes of rest, then 20 minutes of moderate intensity cycling, which allowed them to safely remain sitting. Each session ended with another 20-minute rest period. Before and after movement, brain activity from the hippocampus<\/a> (the brain\u2019s memory storage center) and neocortex<\/a> (responsible for sensory perception, language, spatial awareness, and other evolved, higher functions) was recorded.<\/p>\n After exercise, researchers noticed an increased amount of hippocampal sharp wave ripples, which are \u201cbrief, high-frequency oscillations that occur in the hippocampus, especially during rest or sleep, that are critical for memory consolidation,\u201d explains Dinesh Sivakolundu, M.D., Ph.D.<\/a>, a neurologist at MS Neuromuscular Center of Excellence.<\/p>\n You could think of sharp wave ripples as the brain\u2019s \u201csave\u201d button for memories, says Kamal Wagle, M.D<\/a>., a geriatric medicine physician at Hackensack Meridian Health. Researchers also found a positive correlation between an accelerated heart rate and a ripple rate, which may ultimately lead to more efficient memory formation and recall, Dr. Wagle concludes.<\/p>\n How are exercise and memory loss prevention connected?<\/p>\n There\u2019s always more to learn about the connection, but Dr. Wagle suggests that, at the function\u2019s core, exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more vital oxygen and nutrients. Movement also stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), he adds, a protein that supports the survival of existing neurons\u2014important cells that send messages throughout the brain\u2014and encourages the growth of new ones.<\/p>\n