From Antarctica to Alzheimers – Exercise helps to prevent cognitive decline

Abstract

Regular physical exercise has been proven to counteract physiological deconditioning caused by a sedentary lifestyle. More recently, human and animal studies have demonstrated that regular physical activity also targets brain function by increasing cognition and mood. In two studies, presented here, we aimed to show the long-term effect of exercise on mental health. Study 1: Eight male volunteers were isolated and confined during the winter period at the Antarctic Concordia Station. Every six weeks electroencephalographic measurements were recorded under rest, cognitive tests and a mood questionnaire were executed. Study 2: 75 previously sedentary patients with a clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were randomized to one of three groups, either provided with high intensity exercise, moderate exercise or no exercise for 12 month. An influence of exercise on the progression of MCI was determined by a neuropsychological test battery (CogState). Study 1: Whereas brain activity showed a decline throughout the isolation period for both groups, regular active people were able to remain their mood state and cognitive performance. Study 2: Participants who showed an increase in physical fitness over the 12 month intervention period, also showed a significant increase in cognitive performance and life-quality. In both studies, we could show that a regular exercise program was able to improve mood, cognitive performance and life-quality. A transfer of results from space life science into everyday life, allows emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity for brain health and stressing its relevance for a healthy life-style.