Project R-14812

The effect of exercise on the brain's metabolism, function and structure in persons with type 2 diabetes (Research)

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular complications, but T2DM patients are also prone to severe cerebral (brain) complications and have an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia. Exercise intervention is a cornerstone in the treatment of T2DM as it leads to enhanced glycemic and cardiovascular risk factor control and prevention of complications. However, it remains to be established which type of exercise (high- vs. low-intensity endurance exercise) can reverse unfavorable changes in the brain of T2DM and can reverse cerebral pathological processes associated with the risk of AD, by using and validating (blood) biomarkers as proxies for these processes. In this inter-university project, we combine the required, internationally recognized expertise in different domains such as exercise intervention/ physiology, advanced medical imaging, and biomarker research. Furthermore, using a state-of-theart multidisciplinary approach, our consortium is in a unique position to identify the impact of an exercise intervention on brain function, structure, metabolism, and pathological processes in T2DM patients. As far as we know, this is the first time that the effects of a long-term exercise intervention on such a palette of brain (bio)markers is investigated in T2DM patients. The results of this project will not only be useful for better treatment of T2DM, but might also apply to other populations.

01 October 2024 - 30 September 2028