Neuroscientist says this one exercise could protect your brain and keep memory strong for years

Time of India

a day ago

Alzheimer's disease
affects an estimated 6.7 million older adults in the United States, a figure expected to double by 2060. While there is currently no cure, research suggests that certain lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk, and one particular type of exercise appears to be especially effective.
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Dementia remains one of the biggest global health challenges of the 21st century. Alzheimer's, the most common form, is a progressive and irreversible condition that causes functional, cognitive, and behavioural decline. Age and genetics are known risk factors, but studies have found that around 35% of dementia risk is linked to modifiable factors such as high blood pressure in midlife, obesity, smoking, social isolation, hearing loss, depression, diabetes, and low physical activity.
The Exercise That Stands Out
Physical activity has long been recognised as a protective factor for brain health. However, according to a report in TOI, new research points towards a specific approach that may offer even greater benefits, dual-task exercise.
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Dr Robert W.B. Love, a neuroscientist specialising in Alzheimer's prevention, was quoted in TOI highlighting that this type of exercise involves engaging both the body and the mind at the same time. Dr Heather Sandison, a naturopathic doctor, was quoted as explaining in TOI that dual-task exercise means 'doing something physical while also challenging the brain', for example, walking while having a conversation.
What Research Reveals
A 2022 review, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and cited by TOI, examined how dual-task training, activities combining physical movement with mental challenges, affected older adults with cognitive decline. The review found that 2–5 weekly sessions, each lasting between 30 and 120 minutes, led to noticeable improvements in memory, attention, problem-solving, balance, and walking speed.
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The researchers also noted a surprising benefit: reduced levels of ß-amyloid, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. As reported in TOI, this is because dual-task activities require the brain to process information, coordinate movement, and maintain focus all at once. This simultaneous demand engages multiple brain networks, strengthens neural connections, and promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and form new pathways.
No Single Solution
Experts emphasised, as reported in TOI, that no single habit can guarantee protection against Alzheimer's. The most effective strategy combines regular dual-task exercise with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, staying socially engaged, and managing health conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
The message is clear: while there is no magic bullet for preventing Alzheimer's, combining mental and physical stimulation through dual-task activities could be a valuable tool in preserving both cognitive skills and independence in later life.