Exercise Protects E4s From Hippocampal Atrophy

[pal]

Yet another reason to keep moving. In an article published today, physical activity is protective in preventing hippocampal atrophy in E4s: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/ ... 00061/full

It was a small study using MRI scans and self-reporting of physical activity (“PA”). Here’s the breakdown re E4s: “High Risk/High PA (n = 22: 20 ε3/ε4 and two ε4/ε4), and High Risk/Low PA (n = 17: two ε2/ε4 and 15 ε3/ε4).”

“Four subgroups were studied: Low Risk/High PA (n = 24), Low Risk/Low PA (n = 34), High Risk/High PA (n = 22), and High Risk/Low PA (n = 17). Over the 18 month follow-up interval, hippocampal volume decreased by 3% in the High Risk/Low PA group, but remained stable in the three remaining groups.”

These results combined with the other studies discussed in the Review articles I previously posted underscore how important exercise is for E4s. There is also a third Review article that looks interesting, but I couldn’t get the full text. If anyone has access to the full text version, I’d appreciate seeing it:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ar ... 6112002264
Also, there is a particularly good study that found E4s benefit from exercise and actually tested their fitness rather than relying on self-reporting, which I’d also love to see in full text:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17218903

[Julie G]

Thanks for sharing this & your other recent links, Pal. Most (perhaps all?) here are in agreement and regularly practice. We've previously debated best type, how often, etc.

Although I must say, this new study is KILLING me. I'm supposed to abstain from exercising for EIGHT weeks (following my recent surgery.) Major sigh Trust me, I'm looking for ways to safely cheat

[Doctor Lost]

Well, time to go work out.

[Julie G]

Doc, you're cruel I'm supremely jealous.

[pal]

As you would say, Julie, be kind to your E4 self. You are so fit to begin with that it's fine to take the prescribed time off; although I bet I'd feel the same way.

I'm really interested in reviewing some of those other studies I mentioned to try and determine how much exercise is best and whether it's simply the fitter you are, the better.

[Julie G]

Well here's a new twist on exercise that would be appropriate for me (recovering from surgery) or for anyone with debilitating injuries/frailty: whole body passive acceleration.

What us it? http://www.thebarrow.org/Neurological_S ... nic/230664

Apparently, it's been quite uccessful in treating CVD. Now, a new paper surmises it may have neuro-protective properties too.

http://www.medical-hypotheses.com/artic ... y_medicine

Now if I could just find a motorized mattress

[Gina99]

Julie - Really good time to practice that mindful meditation we all have been saying we should do more often, but don't.

[Russ]

This previously posted paper was picked up and discussed in NYT blog post today…

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/0 ... ref=health

[asiagillett]

Yay! I love hearing about all the exercise benefits for us. I've been a lifelong exerciser! Actually off to the gym now. Sounds like any kind is good as long as we consistently get it.

[KatieS]

This past week, I had a bad cold, so without my usual sweaty exercise, my FBS, but not my 1pp (about the same as FBS), was over ten points higher (i.e.97!) only dipping to normal, once I resumed my aerobic routine. Of course, infection stress will drive up BS, but this was the usual afebrile, non-bedridden URI.Could exercise be so protective by decreasing insulin resistance?
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/1 ... blogs&_r=0

I'm just wondering if the brain changes are a result of insulin resistance with multiple causes: sedentary, sleep apnea, excessive carbs leading to metabolic syndrome, etc…, with exercise increasing insulin's sensitivity.

Julie, from my surgical recoveries, I found that trying to get a little exercise in sooner than recommended, only caused me complications: bone pins falling out, post-op infections x 2, so even longer to really work-out. I'm going to print out your surgical guidelines, as they so appropriately address the sugary recovery foods, which only stimulates more insulin resistance.