Getting fit to counteract cognitive aging: evidence and future directions

Physiology ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle W. Voss ◽  
Shivangi Jain
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Mechanistic Insight ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Cognitive Benefits

Physical activity has shown tremendous promise for counteracting cognitive aging, but also tremendous variability in cognitive benefits. We describe evidence for how exercise affects cognitive and brain aging, and whether cardiorespiratory fitness is a key factor. We highlight a brain network framework as a valuable paradigm for the mechanistic insight needed to tailor physical activity for cognitive benefits.

scholarly journals Fronto-parietal Network Segregation Predicts Maintained Cognition in the Cognitively Healthy Oldest-old (85+): evidence for dedifferentiation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara A Sims ◽  
Mary E Faulkner ◽  
Paul Stewart ◽  
Stacy Merritt ◽  
Roxanne F Rezaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Network Metrics ◽  
Future Work

The understanding of brain network interactions in cognitively healthy older adults informs how brain characteristics vary as individuals age and how these variations affect cognitive functioning. A functional connectivity analysis can reveal important insight into the brain's organization, which is crucial to examining cognitive aging. We investigated functional network properties in 146 cognitively healthy participants aged 85+ in the McKnight Brain Aging Registry. We found that the segregation of the cortical association system and the segregation of the fronto-parietal network (FPN) were stronger predictors of cognition and executive function. Compared to other network metrics, the segregation of networks may be more closely linked with cognitive performance and age-related dedifferentiation. We also provide a healthy oldest-old (85+) cortical parcellation that can be used in future work in this age group. This study shows that network segregation of the oldest-old brain supports cognition. Specifically, the FPN plays an important role in supporting overall cognition and executive function in an aging population. By studying network dynamics and cognitive abilities of healthy brain aging, we advance the literature on dedifferentiation in the oldest-old.

Language Training Leads to Global Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults: A Preliminary Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (7) ◽  
pp. 2411-2424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick C. M. Wong ◽  
Jinghua Ou ◽  
Celestina W. Y. Pang ◽  
Ling Zhang ◽  
Chi Shing Tse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Music Appreciation ◽  
Cognitive Improvement ◽  
Cognitive Benefits ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Preliminary Study

Purpose We report a preliminary study that prospectively tests the potential cognitive enhancing effect of foreign language (FL) learning in older adults with no clear signs of cognitive decline beyond what is age typical. Because language learning engages a large brain network that overlaps with the network of cognitive aging, we hypothesized that learning a new language later in life would be beneficial. Method Older adults were randomly assigned to 3 training groups: FL, games, and music appreciation. All were trained predominately by a computer-based program for 6 months, and their cognitive abilities were tested before, immediately after, and 3 months after training. Results FL and games, but not music appreciation, improved overall cognitive abilities that were maintained at 3 months after training. Conclusion This is the 1st randomized control study providing preliminary support for the cognitive benefits of FL learning.

170-OR: Association of Timing of Physical Activity Bouts with Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in the Look AHEAD Study

Diabetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 170-OR
Author(s):  
JINGYI QIAN ◽  
MICHAEL P. WALKUP ◽  
SHYH-HUEI CHEN ◽  
PETER H. BRUBAKER ◽  
DALE BOND ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Look Ahead ◽  
The Look

Physical activity and cognitive function in older persons

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Critical Challenge

Strategies to improve cognitive aging are highly needed. Among those, promotion of exercise and physical activity appears as one of the most attractive and beneficial intervention. Indeed, results from basic and clinical studies suggest that exercise and physical activity have positive effects on cognition in older persons without cognitive impairment, as well as in those with dementia. Despite inconsistent results, aerobic exercise appears to have the strongest potential to enhance cognition. However, even limited periods of walking (45 minutes, three times a week, over a 6-month period) have also been shown to enhance cognition, particularly executive functions. Changing long-term lifestyle habits in these older persons remains a critical challenge and attractive programs susceptible to gain adherence are needed to succeed in achieving improved cognitive aging.

scholarly journals Nonresponders of Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) Can Increase Their Exercise Capacity with Enhanced Physiotherapist Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4795
Author(s):  
Tom Martinsson Ngouali ◽  
Mats Börjesson ◽  
Åsa Cider ◽  
Stefan Lundqvist
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Insufficient Physical Activity

Swedish physical activity on prescription (PAP) is an evidence-based method to promote physical activity. However, few studies have investigated the effect of Swedish PAP on physical fitness, in which better cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality and diagnose-specific mortality. Direct measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, usually expressed as maximal oxygen uptake, are difficult to obtain. Hence, exercise capacity can be assessed from a submaximal cycle ergometer test, taking the linear relationship between heart rate, work rate, and oxygen uptake into account. The aim of this study was to evaluate exercise capacity in the long term, following PAP treatment with enhanced physiotherapist support in a nonresponding patient cohort. In total, 98 patients (48 women) with insufficient physical activity levels, with at least one component of the metabolic syndrome and nonresponding to a previous six-month PAP treatment, were randomized to PAP treatment with enhanced support from a physiotherapist and additional exercise capacity tests during a two-year period. A significant increase in exercise capacity was observed for the whole cohort at two-year follow-up (7.6 W, p ≤ 0.001), with a medium effect size (r = 0.34). Females (7.3 W, p = 0.025), males (8.0 W, p = 0.018) and patients ≥58 years old (7.7 W, p = 0.002) improved significantly, whereas a nonsignificant increase was observed for patients <58 years old (7.6 W, p = 0.085). Patients with insufficient physical activity levels who did not respond to a previous six-month PAP treatment can improve their exercise capacity following PAP treatment with enhanced support from a physiotherapist during a two-year period. Future studies should include larger cohorts with a control group to ensure valid estimations of exercise capacity and PAP.

scholarly journals Effects of Two Randomized and Controlled Multi-Component Interventions Focusing On 24-Hour Movement Behavior among Office Workers: A Compositional Data Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4191
Author(s):  
Lisa-Marie Larisch ◽  
Emil Bojsen-Møller ◽  
Carla F. J. Nooijen ◽  
Victoria Blom ◽  
Maria Ekblom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Compositional Data ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Movement Behavior ◽  
Compositional Data Analysis ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Time In Bed

Intervention studies aiming at changing movement behavior have usually not accounted for the compositional nature of time-use data. Compositional data analysis (CoDA) has been suggested as a useful strategy for analyzing such data. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of two multi-component interventions on 24-h movement behavior (using CoDA) and on cardiorespiratory fitness among office workers; one focusing on reducing sedentariness and the other on increasing physical activity. Office workers (n = 263) were cluster randomized into one of two 6-month intervention groups, or a control group. Time spent in sedentary behavior, light-intensity, moderate and vigorous physical activity, and time in bed were assessed using accelerometers and diaries, both for 24 h in total, and for work and leisure time separately. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated using a sub-maximal cycle ergometer test. Intervention effects were analyzed using linear mixed models. No intervention effects were found, either for 24-h behaviors in total, or for work and leisure time behaviors separately. Cardiorespiratory fitness did not change significantly. Despite a thorough analysis of 24-h behaviors using CoDA, no intervention effects were found, neither for behaviors in total, nor for work and leisure time behaviors separately. Cardiorespiratory fitness did not change significantly. Although the design of the multi-component interventions was based on theoretical frameworks, and included cognitive behavioral therapy counselling, which has been proven effective in other populations, issues related to implementation of and compliance with some intervention components may have led to the observed lack of intervention effect.

scholarly journals Exacerbations and Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Patients with Bronchiectasis after 1 Year

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1190
Author(s):  
Victoria Alcaraz-Serrano ◽  
Ane Arbillaga-Etxarri ◽  
Patricia Oscanoa ◽  
Laia Fernández-Barat ◽  
Leticia Bueno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Sensewear Armband ◽  
Activity Measurements ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
One Year

Background: Low physical activity and high sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis are associated with hospitalisation over one year. However, the factors associated with longitudinal changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour have not been explored. We aimed to identify clinical and sociodemographic characteristics related to a change in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis after one year. Methods: This was a prospective observational study during which physical activity measurements were recorded using a SenseWear Armband for one week at baseline and at one year. At each assessment point, patients were classified as active or inactive (measured as steps per day) and as sedentary or not sedentary (measured as sedentary time). Results: 53 patients with bronchiectasis were analysed, and after one year, 18 (34%) had worse activity and sedentary levels. Specifically, 10 patients became inactive and sedentary. Multivariable analysis showed that the number of exacerbations during the follow-up period was the only outcome independently associated with change to higher inactivity and sedentary behaviour (odds ratio (OR), 2.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 4.28). Conclusions: The number of exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis was associated with changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Exacerbation prevention may appear as a key factor in relation to physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis.

scholarly journals Confinement, partial sleep deprivation and defined physical activity–influence on cardiorespiratory regulation and capacity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Koschate ◽  
Uwe Drescher ◽  
Uwe Hoffmann
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Space Mission ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Work Rate ◽  
Binary Sequences ◽  
Kinetics Parameters ◽  
Slow Heart Rate ◽  
Partial Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Sleep Schedule

Abstract Introduction Adequate cardiorespiratory fitness is of utmost importance during spaceflight and should be assessable via moderate work rate intensities, e.g., using kinetics parameters. The combination of restricted sleep, and defined physical exercise during a 45-day simulated space mission is expected to slow heart rate (HR) kinetics without changes in oxygen uptake ($${\dot{\text{V}}\text{O}}_{{2}}$$ V ˙ O 2 ) kinetics. Methods Overall, 14 crew members (9 males, 5 females, 37 ± 7 yrs, 23.4 ± 3.5 kg m−2) simulated a 45-d-mission to an asteroid. During the mission, the sleep schedule included 5 nights of 5 h and 2 nights of 8 h sleep. The crew members were tested on a cycle ergometer, using pseudo-random binary sequences, changing between 30 and 80 W on day 8 before (MD-8), day 22 (MD22) and 42 (MD42) after the beginning and day 4 (MD + 4) following the end of the mission. Kinetics information was assessed using the maxima of cross-correlation functions (CCFmax). Higher CCFmax indicates faster responses. Results CCFmax(HR) was significantly (p = 0.008) slower at MD-8 (0.30 ± 0.06) compared with MD22 (0.36 ± 0.06), MD42 (0.38 ± 0.06) and MD + 4 (0.35 ± 0.06). Mean HR values during the different work rate steps were higher at MD-8 and MD + 4 compared to MD22 and MD42 (p < 0.001). Discussion The physical training during the mission accelerated HR kinetics, but had no impact on mean HR values post mission. Thus, HR kinetics seem to be sensitive to changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and may be a valuable parameter to monitor fitness. Kinetics and capacities adapt independently in response to confinement in combination with defined physical activity and sleep.

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