Exercise, energy intake, glucose homeostasis, and the brain
Henriette van Praag1, Monika Fleshner2, Michael W Schwartz3
1Neuroplasticity and Behavior Unit, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland 21224.
Summary
Exercise and intermittent fasting enhance brain function by improving neuroplasticity and neuronal health. These interventions may help prevent metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases by optimizing brain-centered regulatory systems.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolism
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Exercise and energy intake significantly impact neuroplasticity and brain health.
- The brain plays a crucial role in regulating peripheral energy metabolism.
- Understanding these interactions is key to addressing metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the interplay between exercise, energy intake, and neuroplasticity.
- To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in these processes.
- To highlight the brain's role in mediating the health benefits of energetic challenges.
Main Methods:
- Review of findings presented at an SFN symposium.
- Focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Integration of findings into a broader contextual framework.
Main Results:
- Exercise and intermittent energy restriction/fasting enhance neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal stress robustness.
- These interventions may optimize brain function and delay disease onset.
- Brain-centered glucoregulatory and immunomodulating systems mediate peripheral health benefits.
Conclusions:
- Exercise and intermittent fasting offer a promising avenue for optimizing brain health.
- Understanding adaptive neural pathways can lead to better disease prevention strategies.
- Targeting these neural mechanisms may reduce the community burden of disease.
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