The Caring Corner®

Exercise Could Reduce Risk of Dementia in Hillsborough and the County

July 5, 2016

Researchers have found that exercise can reduce the risk of dementia. A new study found that exercise increases the production of a key protein that they believe keeps the brain active and lowers the risk of neurological diseases. The study was conducted on mice. During exercise the mice showed an increase production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) or what was referred to as “Miracle Gro” for the brain because of the memory enhancement and growth of nerve cells. The study showed that increased BDNF production in mammals is a biological mechanism due to exercise.

Scientists are unravelling the mysteries of BDNF and learning how important it is to keep brains healthy. Another important ketone is called beta-hydroxybutyrate or DBHB. This chemical is produced in the liver and triggers biological reactions that activate the BDNF gene to produce more of its protein. With exercise, BDNF builds up in the brain and was found to prevent other proteins like histone deacetylase complex or HDAC’s from suppressing the benefits of BDNF or altering its environment. The study compared the brains of mice allowed to run on a wheel and those that did not have a wheel to run on. The findings confirmed that BDNF protects the brain and offered ways to boost its production.

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