Rechnitzer Annual Lecture Series

Jennifer J. Heisz, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, where she directs the NeuroFit Lab. Her research examines the mechanisms through which physical activity and other lifestyle interventions influence brain function, cognition, and mental health. She studies diverse lived experiences, including young and older adults, neurodivergent individuals, and people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Heisz earned her Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience from McMaster University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Brain Health at the Rotman Research Institute. She has received numerous honours, including the Ontario Early Researcher Award and a Canada Research Chair in Brain Health and Aging. She also serves as Director of the McMaster Physical Activity Centre of Excellence and Editor-in-Chief of Exercise, Sport, and Movement, an international peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Heisz is the author of Move the Body, Heal the Mind, a widely translated book on exercise and mental health.

As populations age, protecting cognitive health has become a global priority. In this talk, Dr. Jennifer Heisz presents research from the NeuroFit Lab examining how cognition changes across the lifespan, the biological and lifestyle pathways that contribute to dementia risk, and why some individuals remain cognitively resilient. Drawing on neuroimaging and intervention studies, this talk will highlight how vascular health, metabolic factors, and inflammation shape brain aging. Most importantly, it showcases compelling evidence that exercise acts as powerful brain medicine, enhancing neuroplasticity, supporting memory, and promoting long-term brain health. Bridging neuroscience and practical prevention, this talk delivers an evidence-based and hopeful message: while aging is inevitable, cognitive decline is not. Strategic lifestyle interventions, particularly physical activity, offer meaningful opportunities to reduce dementia risk and optimize brain health across the lifespan.

• Register for the In-person event at Western University, Elborn College, Room 1576
  • NOTE: In-person attendees, this is a scent-free event
• Register for the Online Zoom Event and watch from home or work
  • After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting

Please allow yourself sufficient time before the webinar begins to set up the Zoom app on your desktop computer or mobile device. You will be able to join the webinar 30 minutes before the start time. For first time Zoom users, please download the Zoom desktop or mobile app in advance to avoid disappointment if the download takes a long time. (This has to do with your device and internet speed)

Note: You will NOT be able to participate in this webinar on the Zoom web app. The desktop or mobile app must be used to participate.

Used Zoom from your computer before? The webinar link (found in the confirmation email you received upon registration) should open automatically.

*Make sure you have the most up to date version of Zoom prior to joining!

Using a mobile device? Download the free Zoom app from the app store.

Don’t have Zoom on your computer? The application should automatically pop up for download when you click the link and you can follow the prompts. If not, see “manually join the webinar” instructions below.

Click on presentation title to go to lecture recording in Vimeo