Researchers from Murdoch University’s Center for Healthy Aging report that staying active can lessen the memory and thinking problems caused by not getting enough sleep. The findings appear in Behavioral Brain Research, highlighting a connection between physical activity, sleep, and brain function in later life.
The study analyzed 349 older adults with a mean age around 73. Participants underwent tests of memory and cognition and also had brain scans to measure beta-amyloid, a protein linked to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers observed that poor sleep generally coincided with weaker memory and slower thinking, but those who were physically active showed smaller declines in brain function despite sleep disturbances. In addition, people who slept well and remained physically active tended to have lower beta-amyloid levels in their brains.
Lead researchers commented that the results suggest physical activity may offset some of the adverse effects of sleep不足 on cognitive performance in seniors. They also emphasized that the study is early and more work is needed to confirm these findings across broader populations and over longer periods.
The study touches on a broader conversation about dementia risk. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of degenerative cognitive decline and often develops over many years. Observational evidence indicates that a healthy diet, avoidance of unhealthy habits, and regular physical activity can reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s or delay symptom onset. These lifestyle factors are practical steps people can take as part of a overall approach to aging well.
Some researchers have suggested that maintaining muscle mass might offer protective effects against cognitive decline, though findings in this area continue to evolve and require further investigation. This line of inquiry aligns with a growing body of work that connects physical conditioning with brain resilience in aging populations. [Citation: Murdoch University study in Behavioral Brain Research; broader literature on aging and exercise]