Longevity & AgingExercise Boosts Brain-Protective Ketone That Fights Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Researchers found that aerobic exercise raises blood levels of β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), a ketone body that improves cognitive function in aging mice. The benefits were replicated by directly supplementing β-HB, suggesting the molecule itself is the active agent. Using genetic knockout models, the team confirmed that mice unable to produce β-HB efficiently lost much of the cognitive benefit from exercise. In cell studies, the mechanism traced to a receptor called GPR109A, which activates PPARγ — a protein that dials down inflammation and oxidative stress in neurons. The findings position the β-HB/GPR109A-PPARγ signaling axis as a promising therapeutic target for slowing brain aging and preserving memory.
