Abstract
In the present article, we provide a review of current knowledge regarding the role played by physical activity (PA) in preventing age-related cognitive decline and reducing risk of dementia. The cognitive benefits of PA are highlighted by epidemiological, neuroimaging and behavioral studies. Epidemiological studies identified PA as an influential lifestyle factor in predicting rates of cognitive decline. Individuals physically active from midlife show a reduced later risk of cognitive impairment. Neuroimaging studies documented attenuation of age-related brain atrophy, and also increase of gray matter and white matter of brain areas, including frontal and temporal lobes. These structural changes are often associated with improved cognitive performance. Importantly, the brain regions that benefit from PA are also those regions that are often reported to be severely affected in dementia. Animal model studies provided significant information about biomechanisms that support exercise-enhanced neuroplasticity, such as angiogenesis and upregulation of growth factors. Among the growth factors, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor seems to play a significant role. Another putative factor that might contribute to beneficial effects of exercise is the neuropeptide orexin-A. The beneficial effects of PA may represent an important resource to hinder the cognitive decline associated with aging.
Highlights
Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that the physical activity (PA) can play an important and positive role in the prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive decline, as well as of a range of medical conditions, including type II diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, cancers, and obesity
In this review are discussed researches that support the view that PA is an effective tool for attenuating cognitive decline related to aging
Exercise-induced hippocampal changes have attracted the interest of many researchers since the hippocampus, along with the olfactory bulb, is the place in the adult in which mammalian brain continues to generate new neurons throughout life
Summary
Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest that the physical activity (PA) can play an important and positive role in the prevention and treatment of age-related cognitive decline, as well as of a range of medical conditions, including type II diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, cancers, and obesity. In support of the beneficial effects of PA on cognitive performance, there are a number of epidemiological, behavioral, and neuroimaging studies. Physical activity was identified as an influential lifestyle factor in predicting rates of cognitive decline [1, 2] and the subsequent development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) [3, 4]. Yaffe et al [2] performed an interesting prospective study in which cognitive function of an older adult population was measured at baseline and subsequently. Over 8 years, 30% of the participants maintained cognitive function, 53% showed minor decline, and 16% had major cognitive decline
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
