Exploring role of exercise in supporting brain health

Photo: dpa

BEHIND every person living with dementia is often a family quietly struggling to cope. I know this because dementia has affected several members of my own family.

I have witnessed the sadness, uncertainty and emotional exhaustion that accompany this condition.

For caregivers, the greatest challenge is not always physical. Sometimes, it is the heartbreak of watching someone they love gradually lose their memory and ability to think and perform daily activities independently.

These experiences have left me asking one important question: Can we do something before the condition becomes severe?

Although there is currently no cure for most forms of dementia, growing scientific interest has focused on ways to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

One promising area is physical exercise. Most people associate exercise with stronger muscles, healthier hearts and better weight management. However, physical activity may also help maintain memory, concentration and other thinking abilities as we grow older.

Walking, cycling and simple strengthening exercises may offer benefits beyond physical fitness. But an important question remains: Why do some people benefit more from exercise than others?

As a researcher in exercise science and genetics, I have long been interested in understanding why individuals respond differently to the same physical activities. Two people may follow an identical exercise programme but experience different results.

Their age, health conditions, lifestyle and genetic makeup may all influence how their bodies respond. Could these differences also affect how exercise benefits the brain?

This question has become an important focus of my research. Imagine a future where older adults receive exercise recommendations tailored to their individual needs rather than following a single programme designed for everyone.

For some, regular walking may be suitable. Others may benefit from cycling, muscle-strengthening activities or exercises that challenge both movement and thinking. The aim is not to find a miracle cure but to understand how science can help people maintain their independence and quality of life for longer.

Through earlier studies supported by Malaysia’s Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), my research team explored the relationship between genetics, exercise and brain function.

These efforts eventually led to a new research initiative known as ExeCogim, which aims to investigate whether genetic information can help researchers develop more personalised exercise approaches to support brain health among older adults.

But ExeCogim remains a research initiative. Further studies are necessary before we can determine whether personalised exercise programmes based on genetic information offer meaningful advantages.

Dementia is more than a medical challenge. It affects families, communities and healthcare services. Addressing it requires cooperation among researchers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, technology developers and organisations supporting older adults.

Equally important is public awareness. We should encourage healthy lifestyles, regular physical activity and greater attention to brain health as people age. Persistent memory difficulties should also be assessed by healthcare professionals rather than dismissed as ordinary ageing.

For families already caring for someone with dementia, understanding, patience and emotional support remain essential.

I cannot promise that our research will prevent dementia. But my experiences with my own family members have strengthened my determination to search for better answers.

Growing older should not simply mean living longer. It should also mean living well, preserving our independence and protecting the precious memories that connect us to the people we love.

ASSOC PROF DR HAZWANI AHMAD YUSOF @ HANAFI

Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

Universiti Sains Malaysia