Brain Health and Exercise Across the Lifespan with Dr. Jenny Etnier

Dr. Jenny Etnier is a mom, sports coach, and leading researcher in cognition and exercise. In this science-packed, practical, and motivating episode, Dr. Etnier shares what we are doing wrong when it comes to kids and sports, how just one episode of exercise can enhance our brain health, and why exercise might help you prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Whether you’re an exercise enthusiast or someone looking to infuse their routine with more activity, this episode will motivate you to get moving!

Listen and Learn

What youth sports coaches are doing wrong
The problem with specialization and kids’ athletics
How exercise impacts kids’ cognitive performance
What to do if you don’t feel like you have enough time to exercise
Cutting-edge research on exercise and Alzheimer’s prevention
The role of social support and exercise
The types of exercise we should do for maximum cognitive benefit

About Jenny Eitner

Dr. Jennifer L. Etnier’s research focuses on the cognitive benefits of physical activity. Adopting a life-span approach, she has explored the benefits of acute and chronic exercise for children, adolescents, young adults, and older adults. She has conducted a series of studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health that have focused on the benefits of chronic exercise for individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. She is currently leading the Physical Activity and Alzheimer’s Disease–2 Study in which her team is assessing changes in cognitive performance, blood-based biomarkers, and cerebral structure and function in response to a 1-year walking and strength training program and relative to genetic risk for Alzheimer’s. She is also directing a study supported by the National Institute of Aging examining the effects of personalized, synchronized, beat-accentuated music on older adults’ affective responses, perceived exertion, and adherence to a walking and strength training program. Dr. Etnier received the School of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) Senior Research Excellence Award, Health and Human Performance Teaching Award, UNCG Alumni Teaching Excellence Award, HHS Teaching Excellence Award, HHS Graduate Mentoring Award, and the UNCG Graduate School´s Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award. Dr. Etnier has also written a textbook titled Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity, is a co-author on Research Methods in Physical Activity, and has authored two books for the lay public titled Bring Your ‘A’ Game and Coaching for the Love of the Game.