- A new study examines how memory and exercise are connected.
- Scientists studied the human brain and discovered how much exercise may help prevent memory loss over time.
- Experts share their thoughts on the findings.
There’s a growing collection of evidence that says exercise boosts brain health. A new study adds to the findings and zooms in. Specifically, scientists found that exercise may prevent memory loss.
Researchers studied patients with drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing invasive monitoring for a procedure, which allowed them to intimately and accurately track brain activity in real time using an intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) that recorded activity using surgically implanted electrodes, or small metal conductive disks.
Meet the Experts: Dinesh Sivakolundu, M.D., Ph.D., a neurologist at MS Neuromuscular Center of Excellence; and Kamal Wagle, M.D., a geriatric medicine physician at Hackensack Meridian Health.
For the study, published in Brain Communications, participants first engaged in 20 minutes of rest, then 20 minutes of moderate intensity cycling, which allowed them to safely remain sitting. Each session ended with another 20-minute rest period. Before and after movement, brain activity from the hippocampus (the brain’s memory storage center) and neocortex (responsible for sensory perception, language, spatial awareness, and other evolved, higher functions) was recorded.
After exercise, researchers noticed an increased amount of hippocampal sharp wave ripples, which are “brief, high-frequency oscillations that occur in the hippocampus, especially during rest or sleep, that are critical for memory consolidation,” explains Dinesh Sivakolundu, M.D., Ph.D., a neurologist at MS Neuromuscular Center of Excellence.
You could think of sharp wave ripples as the brain’s “save” button for memories, says Kamal Wagle, M.D., a geriatric medicine physician at Hackensack Meridian Health. Researchers also found a positive correlation between an accelerated heart rate and a ripple rate, which may ultimately lead to more efficient memory formation and recall, Dr. Wagle concludes.
How are exercise and memory loss prevention connected?
There’s always more to learn about the connection, but Dr. Wagle suggests that, at the function’s core, exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more vital oxygen and nutrients. Movement also stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), he adds, a protein that supports the survival of existing neurons—important cells that send messages throughout the brain—and encourages the growth of new ones.
How all of this pertains to hippocampal sharp wave ripples, which are the star of this study, so to speak, scientists are still learning. However, animal studies have shown that aging is associated with a reduced ripple rate during sleep and conscious resting, which may, over time, contribute to memory loss. So, in theory, based on this study’s findings, exercise may spur ripples and make up for those lost, potentially counteracting age-related memory impairments, but more research is needed to confirm that.
The bottom line
Exercise is not just beneficial on the behavioral level; it directly impacts the fundamental neural signals that support memory, says Dr. Sivakolundu.
It’s important to note that this study only looked at short-term changes in a specific population of people, so we still need to understand how the findings translate on a long-term, more generalized scale.
Even so, they reinforce a basic pillar of brain health. “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain,” says Dr. Wagle. “Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of a brain-healthy lifestyle, alongside a nutritious diet, stress management, and quality sleep.”
He concludes: “Incorporating short, brisk walks, or other forms of exercise suitable for your abilities, into your daily routine can make a significant difference in your long-term cognitive well-being. It’s about making a conscious investment in your future self, ensuring a life that is not just long, but also vibrant and full of cherished memories.”
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