Brain aging begins long before memory problems appear, but researchers still debate when lifestyle changes can measurably influence brain structure. A randomized clinical trial tested whether an aerobic exercise program that matches common activity recommendations can alter an MRI-derived estimate of brain aging in early and midlife adults. Researchers enrolled 130 generally healthy adults ages 26 to 58 who reported low levels of structured physical activity. They randomized participants to either 12 months of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise, targeting 150 minutes per week with two supe... aging brain exercise
Read moreDepression is one of the most common and disabling conditions among young adults, yet current treatments often fail to address potential metabolic factors that may underlie symptoms. Researchers tested whether a ketogenic diet could support standard care in college students with major depressive disorder. The study enrolled 24 students with clinician-confirmed depression; 16 completed the 10–12 week intervention while continuing their usual treatment. Participants received support to follow the ketogenic diet (less than 50 grams of carbohydrate per day, moderate protein, and fats), including ... bdnf depression ketogenic diet ketosis mental health
Read moreMetabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess body fat, is a major risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, and may be improved by raising blood ketone levels. However, achieving this often requires strict dietary interventions like fasting or ketogenic diets, which many people find difficult to sustain. That's why scientists tested whether raising ketones with a simple oral supplement could reproduce some of these protective effects without requiring major lifestyle changes. The team studied a strain of rats prone to metabolic healt... epigenetics ketogenic diet ketosis metabolic syndrome
Read moreUrolithin A, a compound derived from walnuts and pomegranates, restores aging muscles. Mitochondria are the key organelles responsible for cellular energy production. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of aging (https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/hallmarks-of-aging), occurs over time as reactive oxygen species damage vulnerable mitochondrial membranes and energy production becomes less efficient. A consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction is the loss of muscle mass and strength (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836174/). Findings from a recent study suggest that urolithin A... nutrition exercise mitochondria
Read moreGlucosamine plays important roles in brain function. Glucosamine is a type of sugar found in the muscles, cartilage, and other soft tissues of the body. It is commonly marketed as a dietary supplement used for joint pain and stiffness. Evidence from a 2021 study suggests that glucosamine is prevalent in brain glycogen, where it plays important roles in glycosylation. Glycogen is a multi-branched polysaccharide that serves as the stored form of glucose in the human body. Most of the body's glycogen stores are found in the muscles and liver, but some glycogen is found in the brain, primarily in... brain metabolism
Read moreAir pollution exposure promotes Alzheimer's disease-related hallmarks in the brains of children. Components present in air pollution – a mixture of chemicals, gases, and particulate matter – can cross biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier. Evidence suggests that children exposed to air pollution exhibit altered brain structure and metabolic function and demonstrate impaired cognitive performance (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0192623307313011). A 2018 study identified pathological hallmarks associated with Alzheimer's disease in the brains of children and youn... brain alzheimer's depression genetics pollution
Read moreSince the 1980’s, clinicians and researchers have been puzzled by the “French paradox”: the observation that residents of France have a surprisingly low incidence (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1768013/) of cardiovascular disease given their high rates of smoking, intakes of saturated fat, and hypercholesterolemia (https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2020/12110/prevalence_and_management_of_hypercholesterolemia.57.aspx) (i.e. abnormally high serum levels of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol). A recent study now offers evidence that the negative health imp... brain cholesterol inflammation alcohol
Read moreCurrently selected for this coming member's digest (/crowdsponsor) by team member Melisa B. Adequate exercise is one of the most effective lifestyle interventions to improve aging, but many people, especially older adults, can find it difficult to exercise. In a study published this month, researchers tested the effects of resveratrol as an adjuvant therapy to exercise for older adults with physical limitations. The word “adjuvant” has roots in Latin that mean “helping toward.” Adjuvant therapies are add-ons that may improve the effectiveness of other interventions. Resveratrol is known to ac... vitamin d alzheimer's
Read moreCurrently selected for this coming member's digest (/crowdsponsor) by team member Melisa B. Adequate exercise is one of the most effective lifestyle interventions to improve aging, but many people, especially older adults, can find it difficult to exercise. In a study published this month, researchers tested the effects of resveratrol as an adjuvant therapy to exercise for older adults with physical limitations. The word “adjuvant” has roots in Latin that mean “helping toward.” Adjuvant therapies are add-ons that may improve the effectiveness of other interventions. Resveratrol is known to act... exercise aging performance mitochondria muscle supplements resveratrol
Read moreInsulin sensitivity refers to how well the body's cells respond to insulin – a critical aspect of maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Lifestyle behaviors and dietary modification may help improve insulin sensitivity. Findings from a new study suggest that early time restricted eating improves insulin sensitivity. Time-restricted eating is a form of daily fasting that aligns the eating and fasting cycles to the body’s innate 24-hour circadian system. People who practice time-restricted eating typically eat during an 8- to 12-hour daytime window and fast during the remaining 12 to 16 hour... time-restricted eating metabolism fasting circadian rhythm muscle insulin blood sugar weight loss
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