The role of physical exercise as a prevention towards dementia

Abstract

Background: Indonesia as a country with an aging population structure is highly potential to develop an increase in dementia cases. Dementia is known as a syndrome of decreased cognitive function that can affect emotions, behavior, and daily activities, thus affecting the patient's quality of life. The management of dementia remains limited until this day, so it is necessary to prevent dementia by improving lifestyle, one of which is through exercise and physical activity. Methods: This study used a literature review method using 18 scientific articles as online data sources which were then further analyzed. Results and Discussion: Physical activity and exercise are important non-pharmacological interventions in reducing the risk of dementia. The risk of dementia is related to the intensity of the activity - the higher the intensity, the greater the role it has in reducing risk of dementia. Activities of moderate to vigorous intensity can improve cognitive function, induced by neurogenesis and neurotrophic factors expression that prevent brain atrophy. Aerobic exercise is predominantly done, supported by a combination of resistance training or other forms of exercise. Conclusion: Exercise or physical activity plays a role in the prevention of dementia through the mechanism of neurogenesis and preventing brain mass reduction. The delay in the progression of neurocognitive disorders by doing exercise or physical activity is influenced by the type and intensity of exercise, combined with lifestyle improvements such as nutritional diet and cognitive exercise. This intervention needs to be recommended for elderly adults to prevent dementia and other neurocognitive diseases.