Cognitive Performance In Middle-aged Adults Research Articles

Effects of an acute bout of localized resistance exercise on cognitive performance in middle-aged adults: A randomized controlled trial study

Objectives To examine the effect of an acute bout of resistance exercise on cognitive performance in healthy middle-aged adults. Design A randomized controlled trial design. Methods Forty-one adults ( M age = 49.10 years, SD = 8.73) were randomly assigned to either resistance exercise or a control condition. The resistance exercise condition consisted of 2 sets of 10 repetitions for 6 exercises, and the control condition involved reading about resistance exercise for a time period approximating the duration of the exercise condition. The Stroop Test and the Trail Making Test (TMT) were completed at baseline and immediately following performance of the treatment. Results Results indicated that resistance exercise significantly benefits speed of processing (Stroop Word and Stroop Color), and that there is a trend towards resistance exercise benefiting performance on an executive function task (Stroop Color–Word) that requires shifting of the habitual response. However, the results for the TMT were not significant which demonstrates that acute resistance exercise has a limited effect on inhibition. Conclusion The present findings extend the literature by indicating that an acute bout of resistance exercise has a positive impact on automatic cognitive processes and on particular types of executive function in middle-aged adults.

Dietary antioxidant intake and cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study investigators.

To assess the cross-sectional association of dietary and supplemental antioxidant (carotenoids, vitamins C and E) intake with cognitive function in 12 187 individuals, aged 48-67 years, participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins, as assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, and use of supplements were analysed in relation to the results of three cognitive tests, the delayed word recall test, the Wechsler adult intelligence scale, revised (WAIS-R) digit symbol subtest and the word fluency test. After adjustment for covariates previously found to be associated with cognition in this sample, we found no consistent associations between dietary antioxidant vitamin intake or supplement use and any of the cognitive tests. This study suggests little, if any, association between antioxidant vitamin intake and better cognitive function in middle-aged adults.

Association of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Aspirinwith Cognitive Performance inMiddle-Aged Adults

Objectives: To assess the cross-sectional association of regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin with cognitive function in 13,153 individuals, aged 48–67 years, participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Methods: Regular use of NSAIDs or aspirin was analyzed in relation to the results of three cognitive tests, the Delayed Word Recall Test, the WAIS-R Digit Symbol Subtest, and the Word Fluency Test. Results: After adjustment for covariates previously found to be associated with cognition in this sample, we found a weak negative association between current use of aspirin and poor Word Recall [OR = 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.68–1.04)] and poor Word Fluency [OR = 0.85 (0.70–1.03)]. We found no association between current use of aspirin and Digit Symbol score, nor did we find current NSAID use to be significantly associated with any of the cognitive tests. Conclusions: This study suggests a modest association, at best, between NSAIDs or aspirin and better cognitive function.