Exercise as a Memory-Protector

Another Powerful Reason to Get Moving

The link between exercise and a lower risk of, or better outcomes for serious diseases, has long been documented and includes a list of conditions that touches virtually every American in one way or another:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s

A new study, published this month in the prestigious peer-reviewed medical journal Nature Medicine, shows that irisin, a hormone produced during physical exercise, is capable of “opposing synapse failure and memory impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Irisin, “The Exercise Hormone”

The discovery of irisin and its ability to increase fat-burning capabilities in both mice and humans burst onto the medical scene in 2012.

Since then many research studies have been undertaken that provide documentation that the pool of irisin circulating in the body can provide both positive and negative biomarkers as well as therapeutic applications for serious diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and heart and liver disease.

Irisin and Alzheimer’s

In rapid succession researchers have determined that irisin could play an important therapeutic role in not only improving cognition in those with Alzheimer’s but also preventing the onset of AD.

The basic idea stemmed from the report of a study that showed that irisin levels were especially high in the brains of people who were free of dementia when they died, but virtually undetectable in those with Alzheimer’s.

In 2015 the same team that discovered irisin conducted another study where they determined that raising levels of irisin in mice activated genes involved in cognition.

With such positive results in the study of irisin and mice, researchers are undoubtedly planning or even already conducting studies to see if exercise-induced irisin levels are also increased in the human brain and if so, does that mitigate and/or protect against memory loss – an exciting potential discovery, indeed!

Promoting Healthy Lifestyles

Our campus is staffed with professionals ready to provide assistance so that all of our residents can achieve health and wellness to the best of their abilities.

A full calendar of activities, including daily group exercise, provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy physical, mental and social stimulus that leads to a positive and purposeful lifestyle.

If you are wondering if The Elms’ unique and beautiful campus may be the right choice for you or a loved one, please feel free to arrange a tour by calling (401) 596-4630 or by sending an email.