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About the researcher

Dr. Marc Poulin is an AHFMR Senior Scholar and a full professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Calgary. He is also a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute.

Selected Publication

Brown AD, McMorris CA, Longman RS, Leigh R, Hill MD, Friedenreich CM, Poulin MJ. Effects of cardiorespiratory fitness and cerebral blood flow on cognitive outcomes in older women. Neurobiology of Aging [Internet]. 2008 Dec 27 [cited 2009 May 4].

Following up

Want to stay sharp as you age? Get moving!

Story by Karen Thomas/Photo by Trudie Lee

Physical fitness helps the brain function at the top of its game, according to recent research by AHFMR Senior Scholar Dr. Marc Poulin, whose work was featured in the Spring 2007 issue of Research News.

Dr. Marc Poulin with study participant Merceda Schmidt, 91

Previous studies had shown that blood flow to the brain declines as people age. But Dr. Poulin and his team have now shown for the first time that physical activity boosts blood flow in the brain and, as a result, also improves cognitive abilities.

"Being sedentary is now considered a risk factor for stroke and dementia," he says. "This study proves for the first time that people who are fit have better blood flow to their brain. Our findings also show that better blood flow translates into improved cognition."

The study compared two groups of women living in Calgary, whose average age was 65. One group took part in regular aerobic activity; the other group was inactive. Dr. Poulin's team measured the women's cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health as well as cognitive abilities.

The scientists found that compared to the inactive group, the active women had lower blood pressure whether they were resting or exercising, and increased blood flow in the brain during exercise and when the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood were elevated. The active group also had higher cognitive function scores.

Study participant Merceda Schmidt, 91, walks about six kilometres per week to her volunteer teaching and piano-playing commitments. "It's just in my nature; the batteries I got when I was born. My legs want to go," she says.

"The take-home message from our research is that basic fitness—something as simple as getting out for a walk every day—is critical to staying mentally sharp and remaining healthy as we age," says Dr. Poulin.