Six Minutes of High-Intensity Exercise May Delay Alzheimer’s

practice just six minutes of high-intensity exercise can produce an important protein in the brain this in turn delays the onset of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as extending the lifespan of the organ. The substance, called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is still forming new connections and pathways.

published in the magazine Journal of PhysiologyThe research explores “non-pharmacological approaches that may preserve brain capacity that people can use to naturally increase BDNF to aid healthy aging.” but not in humans.

In animal studies, increased BDNF levels improved memory formation and storage, enhanced learning, and overall cognitive performance. It was these so-called neuroprotective qualities that helped scientists at the University of Otago in New Zealand develop their hypotheses about human aging.

How was the research on BDNF protein secretion done?

To test their hypothesis, the scientists presented 12 physically active volunteers aged 18 to 56 years in three tests to evaluate which would be best for producing more BDNF in the brain: 20 hours of brisk, 90 minutes of low-intensity exercise on a horizontal stationary bike and six minutes of vigorous cycling on the same machine.

They found that the most effective way to naturally increase blood BDNF levels is with a short, intense cycling burst. At the end of the exercise, these numbers had increased four or five times, when comparing fasting (which does not change BDNF concentration) or prolonged activity that causes only a slight increase in protein concentration.

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that exercise benefits brain health at all stages of life,” says exercise physiologist Kate Thomas, one of the study’s authors, although the reasons for the differences in results are still not fully clarified.

ARTICLE – Journal of Physiology – DOI: 10.1113/JP283582.

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