Baycrest

BrainMatters • Fall/Winter 2022 • 15 REDUCING DEMENTIA RISK WITH EXERCISE We all know that exercise is good for the body, but many are unaware that it is also good for the brain. "Research shows that aerobic and resistance training are linked to improved cognition and a lower risk of dementia," says Dr. Nicole Anderson, Senior Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute (RRI), Director, Ben & Hilda Katz Interprofessional Research Centre in Geriatric and Dementia Care, and Associate Scientific Director of the Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness. When we engage in regular exercise, we facilitate the birth of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis, which helps preserve the brain's cognitive function and repairs damaged brain cells affected by aging and brain disorders. RRI scientists are working to investigate the effect of exercise on the brain by developing and testing a year-long, online educational program that will help reduce the risk of developing dementia. The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) launched the Brain Health Pro (BHPro) program, which enables older adults to increase their knowledge of dementia, improve lifestyle risk factors and engage with researchers. BHPro focuses on exercise and other modifiable dementia risk domains, like nutrition and psychological and social health. "The launch of BHPro is part of a significant research effort to find concrete means of preventing dementia, with the ultimate goal of having tremendous benefits for the aging experience," says Dr. Howard Chertkow, Scientific Director of the CCNA and Director of the Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness. "This study will show us whether BHPro is a good way to engage older adults to help them make lifestyle choices that will promote brain health," adds Dr. Anderson. According to Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. This has also proven to reduce symptoms of depression and the risk of a small stroke in the brain. A chance to achieve these target goals is offered through the Baycrest@Home (baycrestathome.ca) program, an online platform that meets older adults and their families in the comfort of their home so they can stay active and connected through a community. Whether you walk briskly or join a virtual social recreation program for older adults, you're doing a great thing for your brain.

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