12-Month Exercise Study Tests Whether 150 Minutes Weekly Boosts Brain Health in Older Adults
This major study investigated whether following public health exercise recommendations can improve brain health in older adults. Researchers enrolled 648 cognitively normal seniors in a 12-month randomized trial comparing different exercise doses: 150 minutes weekly, 225 minutes weekly, or stretching control. The study aimed to answer critical questions about exercise's impact on cognitive performance, brain structure, and whether more exercise brings greater benefits. Participants underwent comprehensive brain imaging and cognitive testing to measure changes. This research addresses a key gap in understanding optimal exercise prescriptions for maintaining brain health during aging, potentially informing evidence-based recommendations for cognitive protection.