Published on: Feb 16, 2026
Older adults may soon find it easier to follow an exercise routine that truly supports brain health, as new research aims to determine the optimal level of physical activity needed to maintain and enhance cognition and cerebral blood flow.
A research team at the University of Birmingham has been awarded £1.9 million in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to investigate the biological mechanisms through which exercise improves brain health.
The study comes at a critical time. The UK’s older adult population is projected to increase by seven million by 2050, yet fewer than 35% of older adults in England currently meet recommended physical activity guidelines. Previous research has consistently shown that lower physical activity levels are associated with a higher risk of dementia and age-related cognitive decline.
Leading the programme, Dr. Katrien Segaert from the University of Birmingham emphasized that while regular exercise is widely recognized as one of the most powerful modifiers of health across all ages, a key question remains: how much exercise and at what intensity is needed to produce meaningful cognitive benefits in older adults?
Over the next four years, the team aims to identify the “Goldilocks” level of exercise intensity one that is neither too demanding nor too minimal, but “just right” for promoting brain health.
Co-lead Professor Sam Lucas highlighted that a “more is more” approach to exercise may not always be beneficial, particularly for older adults. Excessive intensity can increase the risk of injury and reduce long-term adherence, while insufficient intensity may fail to stimulate beneficial factors such as blood lactate. Determining the optimal balance could therefore have significant public health implications for healthy aging.
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