A Review of the Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise on Cognitive and Brain Functions in Older Adults (original) (raw)
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The Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Review
"More people are reaching an older age today than ever before and the incidence of dementia is thus expected to rise. It is therefore important to investigate possible prevention of dementia and cognitive decline using cost-effective life-style changes. In this chapter we present a literature review of observational studies into exercise and cognition in the elderly and treatment studies using different types of exercise interventions and the effect these have on cognitive function. Many studies reported that physical activity can help to maintain cognitive abilities into old age, but not all treatment studies have found positive effects of exercise. This could be related to a variety of factors. We discuss the use of different cognitive tests and different measures of exercise and the influence this can have on whether a beneficial effect of exercise is found or not. We also explore a variety of participant and intervention characteristics that may moderate the effect of exercise on cognitive function. The results of this review suggest that there may be a relationship between physical activity and cognition. However, more future work is required in this area to establish exactly what type of exercise is most efficient and who may benefit from it."
Benefits of Physical Activity on Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults
Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 2016
As the world becomes more populated and more medically advanced, more people are starting to live longer. There are growing concerns for the health and well-being of an ever-growing population. Aging is accompanied by a series of changes, cognitive decline being one of them. As health becomes more challenging, physical activity may become more cumbersome. However, in many instances, physical activity has been found to prevent and delay cognitive decline. In fact, exercise may prove to be a powerful preventative measure against cognitive impairment in older adults. The aim of this chapter is to explore the evidence base of the effects of physical activity on cognitive decline prevention as well as to review the recommended guidelines for physical activity in this population based on findings in the field.
The Effects of Exercise Programs on Cognition in Older Adults: A Review
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 2009
Van Uffelen JGZ, Chin A Paw MJM, Hopman-Rock M, van Mechelen W. The effects of exercise on cognition in older adults with and without cognitive decline: a systematic review. Clin J Sport Med. 2008;18:486-500. Objective: To review the evidence from randomized controlled trials of the effects of physical exercise on cognition in older adults with and without cognitive decline. Data sources: PubMed, EMBASE, CEN-TRAL (Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials), PsycINFO, and AgeLine were searched up to April 22, 2008, for clinical trials using terms relating to older adults, physical activity and exercise, types of exercise, and cognitive processes and decline. Additional articles were sought in the authors' own databases. Study selection: The selection criteria for a study were: a randomized controlled trial; a sample of older adults who were cognitively healthy or cognitively impaired or who had dementia but no other mental disorder; the intervention was physical exercise; cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychologic tests; and the report was full-text, in English. Two independent reviewers assessed the abstracts of 79 potentially relevant articles of 1059 identified. The full text of 31 articles was retrieved, and 23 studies met selection criteria. Data extraction: Data on the study population, intervention, and outcomes were extracted by the same 2 reviewers. The study methods were rated on the Delphi scale (9 criteria, with a score of 5/9 rated high quality). Main results: Most of the study participants were women and most of the interventions were group based. No studies found any diminution in cognitive ability
Protective Effects of Exercise on Cognition and Brain Health in Older Adults
Exercise and sport sciences reviews, 2018
Accelerated trajectories of cognitive decline in older adults may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). Physical activity has potential modifying effects on these changes that could prevent and/or delay ADRD. This review explores the hypothesis that multiple, mutually complimentary and interacting factors explain the positive association between exercise and the optimization of cognition in older adults.
Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health
Background: Physical activity in the elderly is recommended by international guidelines to protect against cognitive decline and functional impairment. Objective: This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) was set up to verify whether medium-intensity physical activity in elderly people living in the community is effective in improving cognitive performance. Design: RCT with parallel and balanced large groups. Setting: Academic university hospital and Olympic gyms. Subjects: People aged 65 years old and older of both genders living at home holding a medical certificate for suitability in non-competitive physical activity. Methods: Participants were randomized to a 12-week, 3 sessions per week moderate physical activity program or to a control condition focused on cultural and recreational activities in groups of the same size and timing as the active intervention group. The active phase integrated a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic exercises, including drills of “life movements”, streng...
Brain health and exercise in older adults
Current sports medicine reports
Identifying feasible and effective interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of cognitive decline in older adults is currently a high priority for researchers, clinicians, and policy makers. Evidence suggests that exercise and cognitive training benefit cognitive health in older adults; however, a preferred modality has to be endorsed yet by the scientific community. The purpose of this review is to discuss and critically examine the current state of knowledge concerning the effects of aerobic, resistance, cognitive, and novel dual-task exercise training interventions for the preservation or improvement of cognitive health in older adults. A review of the literature suggests that the potential exists for multiple exercise modalities to improve cognitive functioning in older adults. Nonetheless current limitations within the field need to be addressed prior to providing definitive recommendations concerning which exercise modality is most effective at improving or maintaining cog...
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2011
There is evidence from observational studies that increasing physical activity may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Exercise intervention trials have found conflicting results. A systematic review of physical activity and exercise intervention trials on cognition in older adults was conducted. Six scientific databases and reference lists of previous reviews were searched. Thirty studies were eligible for inclusion. Articles were grouped into intervention-outcome pairings. Interventions were grouped as cardiorespiratory, strength, and multicomponent exercises. Cognitive outcomes were general cognition, executive function, memory, reaction time, attention, cognitive processing, visuospatial, and language. An eight-member multidisciplinary panel rated the quality and effectiveness of each pairing. Although there were some positive studies, the panel did not find sufficient evidence that physical activity or exercise improved cognition in older adults. Future research should report exercise adherence, use longer study durations, and determine the clinical relevance of measures used. J Am Geriatr Soc 59:704-716, 2011.
The Impact of Physical Activities on Cognitive Performance among Healthy Older Individuals
Brain Sciences
The population is aging in developed countries. This aging process results in many changes, both physical and mental. Over the years, there has been a gradual decline in the level of cognitive functions closely related to the ageing process, which is most often connected with ageing diseases such as dementia. So far, pharmacological treatment has not yet been able to cure this neurological disorder. Health policies around the world seek to find alternative programs and strategies to help a healthy population prevent cognitive decline and prolong active life. One such strategy appears to be physical activity. The aim of this review is to discuss the impact of physical activity on cognitive performance among healthy older individuals. The methodology of this study is based on a systematic electronic literature search of available studies found in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. The findings suggest that any physical activity in older age seems to have a positive im...
Accelerated trajectories of cognitive decline in older adults may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). Physical activity has potential modifying effects on these changes that could prevent and/or delay ADRD. This review explores the hypothesis that multiple, mutually complimentary and interacting factors explain the positive association between exercise and the optimization of cognition in older adults.