Illuminating Neurological Effects of Exercise on Healthy Aging through Multimodal MRI Quantifications

In anticipation of the demographic shift projected by 2034, where over a fifth of New Zealand's population will be over 65, safeguarding brain health against age-related declines is paramount. The New Zealand Healthy Ageing Strategy recognizes physical exercise as a key strategy, yet the precise neurological mechanisms through which exercise influences healthy aging remain largely unexplored. This project aims to bridge this gap by investigating the neurological adaptations induced by exercise, with a focus on its potential to preserve cognitive function and overall well-being as individuals age. Leveraging multimodal brain MRI data, the study will quantify various brain attributes, including volumes of different brain regions, cortical thickness, and surface area, utilizing advanced MRI modalities such as functional MRI and diffusion tensor MRI to examine brain connectivity patterns and diffusion properties. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms will be employed to analyze the data and identify complex brain connectivity networks associated with exercise-induced neuroplasticity. Statistical analyses will compare these attributes between individuals aged 55-65 who regularly exercise and those who do not, aiming to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of exercise on healthy aging.

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