Recent research links physical activity to improved cognitive ability
In addition to the cardiovascular, bone strengthening and stress reduction benefits of physical exercise, the increase in the hormone irisine reduces memory and learning deficits, according to research published in the journal Nature Medicine.
As we all know, physical exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, strengthen bones, reduce stress and recent studies show that it also protects the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. Previous research has shown that exercise can improve cognitive ability and even delay the development of dementia. According to research published in the journal Natural Medicine, the key is the hormone irisine.
Irisina, conocida como “hormona del ejercicio”, se secreta en grandes cantidades durante el ejercicio. Investigadores de la Universidad Federal de Río de Janeiro (Brasil) y la Universidad de Columbia (Estados Unidos) han confirmado que al ejercitar el tejido muscular, la irisina se libera y entra en la circulación humana, y puede mejorar la capacidad cognitiva. (Estados Unidos) En el estudio de ratones con enfermedad de Alzheimer.
Irisine, known as “exercise hormone,” is secreted in large amounts during exercise. Researchers from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Columbia University (United States) have confirmed that when muscle tissue is exercised, irisine is released and enters human circulation, and can improve cognitive ability. (United States) In the study of mice with Alzheimer’s disease
The scientists responsible for this research, Ottavio Arancio, Sergio Ferreira and Fernanda de Felice, demonstrated that the increase of irisine and its precursor protein FNDC5 reduced memory and learning disabilities in laboratory animals. They also observed that when this substance was prevented from appearing in the brain of sick mice, the beneficial cognitive effects of physical exercise disappeared. To further prove the connection between this hormone and Alzheimer’s disease, the authors examined the brains of healthy people and Alzheimer’s disease. This result reinforces the findings of the animal experiments by uncovering lower levels in the patients’ brains.
Drug with Fewer Side Effects
This finding is important because it may pave the way for new treatment strategies to alleviate cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Study coordinator Fernanda de Felice explained to ABC that there is still a long way to go.
The drug may be the best help for Alzheimer’s patients or older people who can no longer exercise properly. After the animal testing phase, the next step will be to test whether this hormone supplementation is effective for patients with varying degrees of Alzheimer’s disease. At the same time, at any age, the best advice is to increase physical activity. “It is very important to spread the vision that not only benefits our muscles, bones and heart. It also applies to the brain. This is the best strategy to protect yourself and help treat dementia.
New Diagnostic Methods
This study links the reduction of irisine to Alzheimer’s disease for the first time and also opens the door to new diagnostic methods. Its lower presence may indicate an increased risk of this neurodegenerative disease. Further research is now needed to better understand how the irisine works and interacts with the brain. Most importantly, it should assess whether the protein has similar beneficial cognitive effects in humans.
Fuente: ABC
