A recent study conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Aging has revealed that neuronal extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in transporting proteins that influence insulin sensitivity.

Extracellular vesicles, once dismissed as insignificant, are now recognized for their important role in cellular communication and the transport of key molecules, particularly in insulin signaling.

The research team included contributors from Rutgers University and the National Institute on Aging, showcasing a collaborative effort in this significant area of study.

The study's findings indicate that enhancing brain insulin action through exercise could potentially help in preventing dementia progression.

Insulin sensitivity is critical for regulating blood sugar, with low sensitivity linked to cognitive impairments in conditions like diabetes.

The research involved 21 volunteers, averaging 60 years old, who had prediabetes and participated in a two-week exercise regimen consisting of 12 supervised sessions of moderate to high intensity.

Published in the journal Aging Cell, the study suggests that therapies targeting brain insulin action could potentially ward off dementia and improve cognitive health.

Insulin is vital for cognitive functions such as memory and processing speed, and its deficiency can lead to cognitive dysfunction and increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Future research will explore whether a single exercise session can enhance the effectiveness of intranasal insulin in supporting cognitive health in older adults with obesity.

The study also highlights that exercise activates specialized brain cells involved in insulin response, thereby enhancing brain function.

Blood samples collected before and after exercise indicated an increase in neuronal vesicles carrying insulin sensitivity proteins, particularly one called Akt, which is essential for glucose utilization in the body.

Lead author Steven Malin emphasized the significance of the findings, noting that this is the first evidence showing that exercise influences insulin signaling via neuronal extracellular vesicles, correlating with clinical improvements in blood sugar levels.