Researchers studied 117 women with early-stage breast cancer to see how aerobic exercise might affect their brain function. The women, who were mostly white and averaged about 63 years old, participated in a six-month exercise program. The study looked at changes in specific molecules in the body related to brain health, called BDNF methylation.
After six months, the researchers found that changes in these molecules at certain locations were linked to improvements in different thinking skills. For example, changes at one location correlated with better attention, while changes at another location correlated with better mental flexibility. The study also found that a person's genetic makeup was linked to their starting levels of these molecules.
It's important to understand that this study shows a link, not proof that exercise caused these changes. The study was relatively small, and the biological reasons behind these links are still unknown. The effects on different thinking skills were not consistent across the board.
For now, this research helps scientists understand potential biological pathways through which exercise might support brain health in women with breast cancer. More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand exactly how exercise affects brain function at a molecular level.