HHNS Seminar: Using exercise and nutritional supplements to promote brain health across the lifespan

Dr. Jeremy Walsh is an assistant professor of kinesiology in the Faculty of Science at McMaster University. His research focuses on characterizing the physiological mechanisms underlying the cognitive enhancing effects of exercise and exogenous ketone supplementation in humans. His work explores the effects of these interventions on cerebral blood flow, BDNF, and cognition in cognitively normal adults and adults with elevated dementia risk. The goal of this research is to apply this knowledge to develop interventions that optimize cognitive health and protect against neurological disease across the lifespan. In this seminar, Jeremy will provide an overview of the beneficial effects of exercise on brain function, with a focus on BDNF and lactate. He will also discuss work exploring the potential use of exogenous ketone supplements for brain health, and will suggest next-steps for promoting brain health in aging.