What the evidence tells us about exercise and healthy brain ageing
Published on: 29 April 2025
Group Leader
Associate Professor Tara Walker
Principal Research Fellow
Affiliate of the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research
+61 7 3365 2384
Systemic brain rejuvenation
The Lab investigates the mechanisms that support the lifelong production of neurons in the adult brain, a process known as adult neurogenesis. They explore the systemic factors that influence brain health, particularly how physical exercise enhances neurogenesis and improve learning and memory.
A central theme of the research is the discovery of how exercise‑induced signals originating outside of the brain communicate with neural stem cells in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for cognition. The goal is to develop strategies to restore cognitive function during ageing and neurodegenerative disease.
Regulation of neurogenesis
Using multidisciplinary approaches, the group explores interactions between the brain and the immune, vascular and metabolic systems to understand their influence on neural stem cell activity and neuronal survival across the lifespan.
This research has important implications for neuronal loss and cognitive decline in ageing and conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and motor neurone disease. By identifying biological mechanisms that can be activated to stimulate brain repair, the Lab aims to inform the development of non‑invasive therapeutic strategies that promote brain resilience and regeneration.
