The researchers behind the journal article note that regular physical activity can help prevent cognitive decline linked to obesity. Life Metabolism.
Obesity stands as a major risk factor for both cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia. In a fresh study, scientists from Monash University demonstrated that exercise can boost long-term memory in mice whose obesity stems from a high-fat diet. This finding adds to a growing body of evidence that activity plays a protective role for brain health in the context of excess body weight.
Specifically, the experiment revealed that voluntary wheel running enhanced the birth and survival of new neurons in the hippocampus of obese mice. The hippocampus is a brain region central to forming long-term memories. Exercise also lowered levels of TNF, a molecule tied to inflammation. Reducing brain inflammation has been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia in prior research. Yet, physical activity did not reverse the motor dysfunction caused by the high-fat diet.
Together, the study suggests that maintaining an active lifestyle may help prevent obesity-related cognitive decline over time. The findings align with broader observations in the field that consistent physical activity supports brain plasticity and memory, even in the presence of metabolic challenges.
Earlier work has noted surprising connections between lipid levels and dementia risk. Very high levels of good cholesterol have, in some studies, been linked to an increased dementia risk, underscoring the nuanced relationship between lipids and brain health. This nuance highlights that while exercise offers benefits for memory, it does not automatically offset all metabolic risks associated with obesity.