Investing.com -- A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) suggests that a lack of physical activity could lead to a decline in brain health. The research, led by 81-year-old Frank Booth and his mentee, 27-year-old Nathan Kerr, focuses on the consequences of physical inactivity, a topic Booth has been dedicated to throughout his career at Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine.
The study found that just 10 days of physical inactivity can lead to insulin resistance and an increase in reactive oxygen species production in the hippocampus, the brain region involved in memory and learning. Additionally, the same period of muscle disuse revealed elevated markers for specific proteins strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease that is the fifth leading cause of death in older adults.
These findings provide scientific evidence supporting the widely held belief that staying physically active can help preserve brain health and potentially prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
Booth noted that while the average lifespan has increased since the 1940s, the rate of type 2 diabetes has skyrocketed. He added that the average number of disease-free years lived tends to decline after age 65. The study aims to help people live more enjoyable lives in their later years by understanding the link between muscle disuse and insulin resistance in the brain.
Booth also pointed out that it doesn't take drastic changes to make a difference. Previous research has shown that those who transition from a sedentary lifestyle to one with periodic exercise often see the most significant improvements in their health.
The study, titled "Hindlimb immobilization induces insulin resistance and elevates mitochondrial ROS production in the hippocampus of female rats," was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. It was a collaborative effort between Booth, Kerr, Laurel Grisanti, and Scott Rector.
Over his 25-year career at Mizzou, Booth has secured nearly $8 million in grants and published over 170 research studies in peer-reviewed journals. His work has contributed to Mizzou's reputation as a leading research university and member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, which has seen 10 consecutive years of increases in research expenditures.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.