Even more ways that exercise heals the brain

In Beating the Dementia Monster, we told a rather simplistic story about exercise and brain health.  Of course, exercise increases blood flow to the brain, but it also promotes generation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).  BDNF not only has the power to repair damaged brain cells, but it can also prompt stem cells in the hippocampus to form new neurons.  These activities repair damage caused by Alzheimer's disease, and they are almost surely responsible for my much improved brain health.

But a lot has happened since we originally went to press -- which is why we keep this blog.  Back in May 2024, we wrote that new research has found a much more complex relationship and many more pathways between exercise and brain health than had been understood until then.  And so, recently, my friend Teale sent me an article diving more deeply into one of these pathways.

The article cites research at MIT finding that, not only are there biochemical pathways, but there are also mechanical ones.  Apparently, when muscles are exercised, they release a small protein (a cytokine) called a myokine.  (We have discussed cytokines before, mainly in the context of their role in inflammation.)  The myokines boost neuron growth and maturity.  If this principle can be applied to the brain, the myokines might have a benefit similar to BDNF.  Also, stretching of nerves promotes their health as well.  Of course, we're not expecting to see much stretching of neurons in the brain, but investigation of this phenomenon may still lead to helpful insights on how nerves work, insights that could lead to better treatments for brain health.

If the the myokines are generated in muscles, can they make their way to the brain?  (Other cytokines do.)  Can they cross the blood brain barrier?  The researchers didn't say.  Although they are interested in how these results might affect progress in treating neurodegenerative diseases, their main focus at this point was on new treatments for damaged nerves outside of the brain.

This research may ultimately be irrelevant to Alzheimer's research, but it nevertheless underscores the incredible power that exercise has in all aspects of your health, not just your brain.

My Cerebellar Dysfunction Ataxia

You may recall that, in June 2023, I saw a neurosurgeon to investigate whether I should receive a shunt for hydrocephalus.  But he agreed with other doctors that I do not have hydrocephalus.  So no shunt.  He also agreed with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (and wasn't surprised by my experience of improvement with lifestyle changes), but he added a new diagnosis of ataxia due to cerebellar dysfunction.  He said this was what was causing problems with my balance.

My balance problems and insomnia are currently the most frustrating aspects of my condition.  While I haven't had any serious falls, balance problems affect pretty much everything fun I want to do.  And a sleep doctor told me that the cerebellar dysfunction was probably causing my chronic insomnia.  I am very, very grateful to be alive, and I truly enjoy life.  But it would be nice to have some improvement in my balance.

Back in August, I said that I saw a new neurologist in Seattle who is well known as a specialist in movement disorders.  He ordered another MRI and some blood tests, and he said he'd have a Zoom call with me in November -- which is now.  At the time, I was not optimistic that he'd find anything useful to help.

I just finished the Zoom call, and I'm more encouraged than I was before.  When I asked him, he said that there is about a 30% chance that he will find something that will actually help me.  This will be a result of genetic tests that he intends to do.  Now 30% is what I'd call "less likely," but it's better than the 0% I had inferred from our first visit.  One thing he pointed out is that they are finding more and more ways that cerebellar dysfunction emanates from newly identified genetic causes.  So there may well be something they can do for me.

In the world of Alzheimer's research, I'm seeing more and more studies regarding how it is that exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes can affect development and progress of the disease.  But as far as breakthroughs in the disease mechanisms and pharmacological treatment ... not so much.  Also, no new scandals.  I have a couple of things I've been wanting to post on, but my life has been refreshingly full.  While I haven't been posting as much lately, it's not because something is wrong.