New Study Reveals Exercise-Induced Cognitive Enhancement Can Last for Years

A recent longitudinal study conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland has demonstrated that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can enhance cognitive function in older adults for up to five years. Led by Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett and Dr. Daniel Blackmore of UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, the study involved participants engaging in physical exercise and undergoing brain scans.

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The findings indicate that high-intensity exercise not only boosts cognition in healthy older adults but that these cognitive improvements are retained for up to five years. This study is the first controlled investigation of its kind to establish that exercise can enhance cognition in healthy older adults, rather than merely delaying cognitive decline.

Emeritus Professor Bartlett emphasized the significance of the study, stating, “Six months of high-intensity interval training is sufficient to trigger cognitive enhancement. In earlier pre-clinical work, we discovered that exercise activates stem cells and increases the production of neurons in the hippocampus, thereby improving cognition. In this study, a large cohort of healthy 65 to 85-year-old volunteers participated in a six-month exercise program, underwent biomarker and cognition testing, and had high-resolution brain scans. Remarkably, five years after the program, they still exhibited improved cognition, even if they had not continued the exercises.”

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Significance and Future Research

Aging is one of the most significant risk factors for dementia, a condition affecting nearly half a million Australians.

“If we can alter the trajectory of aging and maintain cognitive health for longer through a simple intervention like exercise, we can potentially alleviate the enormous personal, economic, and social costs associated with dementia,” said Emeritus Professor Bartlett.

The study was a collaborative effort with Honorary Professor Stephan Riek and The School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at UQ. The researchers assessed the impact of three exercise intensities:

• Low: Predominantly motor function, balance, and stretching
• Medium: Brisk walking on a treadmill
• High: Four cycles of running on a treadmill at near maximum exertion

Dr. Blackmore noted that only the high-intensity interval exercise led to cognitive improvements that persisted for up to five years.

“High-resolution MRI scans of that group revealed structural and connectivity changes in the hippocampus, the area responsible for learning and memory,” Dr. Blackmore stated. “We also observed changes in blood biomarkers that correlated with cognitive improvements. These biomarkers can be useful in predicting the effectiveness of the exercise regimen.”

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Given that one in three people aged 85 years and older is likely to develop dementia, Dr. Blackmore highlighted the far-reaching impact of the research.

“Our findings can inform exercise guidelines for older individuals, and further research could explore different types of exercise to be incorporated into aged care,” he said. “We are now investigating the genetic factors that may influence a person’s response to exercise to determine who will benefit from this intervention. Additionally, further research is needed to establish the use of biomarkers as a diagnostic tool for exercise efficacy.”

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