Lifestyle strategies and mechanistic implications for slowing neurodegeneration

npj Metabolic Health and Disease 2026 Open access

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Authors: Jordan A. Gunning, Mario I. Hernandez, Behzad Gudarzi, Hana M. Roushdy, Yonas E. Geda, Susan B. Racette
DOI: 10.1038/s44324-026-00101-9
Cited by: 1
References: 107

Abstract

There is growing evidence that lifestyle habits influence neurodegenerative disease risk. Dietary strategies and exercise are among the most important lifestyle approaches to promote brain health. This review highlights the primary mechanisms by which three dietary approaches (metabolic switching, calorie restriction, high diet quality) and exercise may promote neuroprotection and inhibit neurodegeneration. Neuroprotective mechanisms induced by a healthful lifestyle include reduced inflammation, increased autophagy, neurogenesis, decreased neuronal cell death, and attenuation of pathological protein burden.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms Alzheimer's disease research and treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Metabolic Health and Disease
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
4
Issue
1
Publication date
2 March 2026
Language
EN