Exercise can lower Alzheimer’s risk. Scientists may have discovered why
A new study is shedding light on how physical activity may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, offering fresh insight into the long-observed link between exercise and brain health.
Researchers report that exercise may strengthen the brain’s protective shield—known as the blood-brain barrier—helping to prevent damage linked to dementia. The findings, published in Cell, suggest that physical activity triggers the release of a liver-produced protein called GPLD1, which plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health.
In experiments on mice, scientists found that GPLD1 helps remove a harmful protein called TNAP that accumulates with age and weakens the blood-brain barrier. By clearing TNAP, the barrier becomes less “leaky,” reducing inflammation and allowing the brain to function more efficiently. This led to improved memory and learning in older mice, even those with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.
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Importantly, the same protein was also detected in physically active humans, suggesting the mechanism could apply beyond animal models. While further research is needed, scientists believe this discovery may explain why regular exercise is consistently linked to a lower risk of dementia.
Previous studies have shown that physical activity can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by up to 45% and slow cognitive decline, even with moderate activity like walking.
Experts caution, however, that no single molecule can replace the wide-ranging benefits of exercise. While therapies based on GPLD1 may emerge in the future, staying physically active remains one of the most effective ways to support long-term brain health.
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