scholarly journals Potential Moderators of Physical Activity on Brain Health

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina L. Leckie ◽  
Andrea M. Weinstein ◽  
Jennifer C. Hodzic ◽  
Kirk I. Erickson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Brain Dysfunction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Genetic Risks ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Brain

Age-related cognitive decline is linked to numerous molecular, structural, and functional changes in the brain. However, physical activity is a promising method of reducing unfavorable age-related changes. Physical activity exerts its effects on the brain through many molecular pathways, some of which are regulated by genetic variants in humans. In this paper, we highlight genes including apolipoprotein E (APOE), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) along with dietary omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as potential moderators of the effect of physical activity on brain health. There are a growing number of studies indicating that physical activity might mitigate the genetic risks for disease and brain dysfunction and that the combination of greater amounts of DHA intake with physical activity might promote better brain function than either treatment alone. Understanding whether genes or other lifestyles moderate the effects of physical activity on neurocognitive health is necessary for delineating the pathways by which brain health can be enhanced and for grasping the individual variation in the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on the brain and cognition. There is a need for future research to continue to assess the factors that moderate the effects of physical activity on neurocognitive function.

Beyond Standard Anti-Dementia Therapies: Diet, Exercise, Socialization, and Supplements

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (S16) ◽  
pp. 31-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary W. Small
Keyword(s):  
Glycemic Index ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Brain

Several lines of evidence point to lifestyle choices that may improve brain health. Genetic factors are important to the process of aging, especially as it relates to vulnerability to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but non-genetic factors clearly have a role as well. This paper highlights studies suggesting that diet, exercise, socialization, and supplements may protect the brain from age-related decline.Observational evidence has indicated that several dietary practices can help maintain the health of one’s brain. The first such practice is to moderate one’s caloric intake. Illnesses related to obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, are associated with poorer brain health. The second is to increase one’s intake of antioxidant foods, such as fresh fruits, and vegetables. The third is to increase intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and olive oil. These fats in the diet may be associated with lower risk of dementia. Finally, consuming low glycemic-index carbohydrates instead of high glycemic-index carbohydrates, which spike blood sugar levels and are associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes, may benefit the brain.Many studies have been conducted on the connection between a lower risk for AD and healthy diet. While there are not much data from randomized-controlled trials, epidemiologic studies support the theory that diet can have an impact on vulnerability to AD.

scholarly journals Long-term cyclic aerobic training preserves the brain's health in elderly persons (brief review)

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 152-163
Author(s):  
A S Radchenko ◽  
B B Davydov ◽  
A N Kalinichenko
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Brain Perfusion ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Periodical Literature ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Memory State ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Brain

It was identified on the base of special periodical literature analyze that cyclic muscular work systematically performed during large part of the person's life (former athlete) provides mainly the favorable effect on the brain. Ventricular-arterial coupling improvement ameliorates brain perfusion, and creates function advantages to brain health in old age. At that, the gray and white matter fading hampered, especially in structures that associated with visual control and human body spatial orientation, motor control and memory state, and age-related attenuation of cognitive functions in comparison with sedentary persons of the same age.

Examining the nervous system of an older patient

2017 ◽  
pp. 865-870
Author(s):  
Henry J. Woodford ◽  
James George
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
White Matter Lesions ◽  
Clinical Situation ◽  
Neurological Assessment ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Power Testing ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Age Related Changes

Ageing is associated with changes in the nervous system, especially the accumulation of neurodegenerative and white matter lesions within the brain. Abnormalities are commonly found when examining older people and some of these are associated with functional impairment and a higher risk of death. In order to reliably interpret examination findings it is important to assess cognition, hearing, vision, and speech first. Clarity of instruction is key. Interpretation of findings must take into account common age-related changes. For example, genuine increased tone should be distinguished from paratonia. Power testing should look for asymmetry within the individual, rather than compare to the strength of the examiner. Parkinsonism should be looked for and gait should be observed. Neurological assessment can incorporate a range of cortical abilities and tests of autonomic function, but the extent of these assessments is likely to be determined by the clinical situation and time available.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Students Meeting Components of Canada’s New 24-Hour Movement Guidelines over Time in the COMPASS Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5326 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Claire Buchan ◽  
Valerie Carson ◽  
Guy Faulkner ◽  
Wei Qian ◽  
Scott T. Leatherdale
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Parental Support ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Community Sport ◽  
The Individual

This study aimed to determine if secondary school students are meeting the new Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (24-MG), as well as each individual recommendation (physical activity; sleep; sedentary behavior) within the 24-MG, and which student-level characteristics predict meeting the 24-MG, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. This study is the first to examine longitudinal changes in students meeting the 24-MG, as well as student-level characteristics that were predictive of favourable shifts in movement patterns. Cross-sectional data were obtained for 11,793 grade 9 students across Canada as part of the COMPASS study. Of this sample, 3713 students provided linked follow-up data from grade 9 to grade 12. The probability of meeting the guidelines was modeled using two-level logistic regression analyses, adjusting for student-level co-variates and school clustering. Only 1.28% (p < 0.0001) of the sample met the overall 24-MG. Among grade 9 students, 35.9% (p < 0.0001), 50.8% (p < 0.0001), and 6.4% (p < 0.0001) were meeting the individual recommendations for physical activity, sleep, and screen time, respectively. Of those students, less than half were still meeting them by grade 12. Community sport participation was the only predictor of all three individual recommendations within the 24-MG. Longitudinal analyses found that community sport participation and parental support and encouragement were significantly associated with Grade 12 students starting to meet the physical activity and screen time recommendations, respectively, after having not met them in grade 9. Findings can be used to inform policy and public health practice, as well as to inform future research examining causal relationships between the variables.

Examining the nervous system of an older patient

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry J. Woodford ◽  
James George
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
White Matter Lesions ◽  
Clinical Situation ◽  
Neurological Assessment ◽  
Older Patient ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Power Testing ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Brain

Ageing is associated with changes in the nervous system, especially the accumulation of neurodegenerative and white matter lesions within the brain. Abnormalities are commonly found when examining older people and some of these are associated with functional impairment and a higher risk of death. In order to reliably interpret examination findings it is important to assess cognition, hearing, vision, and speech first. Clarity of instruction is key. Interpretation of findings must take into account common age-related changes. For example, genuine increased tone should be distinguished from paratonia. Power testing should look for asymmetry within the individual, rather than compare to the strength of the examiner. Parkinsonism should be looked for and gait should be observed. Neurological assessment can incorporate a range of cortical abilities and tests of autonomic function, but the extent of these assessments is likely to be determined by the clinical situation and time available.

scholarly journals Effects of Endurance-Focused Physical Activity Interventions on Brain Health

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon Halloway ◽  
JoEllen Wilbur ◽  
Michael E. Schoeny ◽  
Konstantinos Arfanakis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Neurocognitive Measures ◽  
The Brain

Physical activity intervention studies that focus on improving cognitive function in older adults have increasingly used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures in addition to neurocognitive measures to assess effects on the brain. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the effects of endurance-focused physical activity randomized controlled trial (RCT) interventions on the brain as measured by MRI in community-dwelling middle-aged or older adults without cognitive impairment. Five electronic databases were searched. The final sample included six studies. None of the studies reported racial or ethnic characteristics of the participants. All studies included neurocognitive measures in addition to MRI. Five of the six interventions included laboratory-based treadmill or supervised bike exercise sessions, while one included community-based physical activity. Physical activity measures were limited to assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness and, in one study, pedometer. Due to the lack of adequate data reported, effect sizes were calculated for only one study for MRI measures and two studies for neurocognitive measures. Effect sizes ranged from d = .2 to .3 for MRI measures and .2 to .32 for neurocognitive measures. Findings of the individual studies suggest that MRI measures may be more sensitive to the effects of physical activity than neurocognitive measures. Future studies are needed that include diverse, community-based participants, direct measures of physical activity, and complete reporting of MRI and neurocognitive findings.

The Relation of Childhood Physical Activity and Aerobic Fitness to Brain Function and Cognition: A Review

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naiman A. Khan ◽  
Charles H. Hillman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Aerobic Fitness ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Control Function ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Childhood Physical Activity ◽  
The Impact

Physical inactivity has been shown to increase the risk for several chronic diseases across the lifespan. However, the impact of physical activity and aerobic fitness on childhood cognitive and brain health has only recently gained attention. The purposes of this article are to: 1) highlight the recent emphasis for increasing physical activity and aerobic fitness in children’s lives for cognitive and brain health; 2) present aspects of brain development and cognitive function that are susceptible to physical activity intervention; 3) review neuroimaging studies examining the cross-sectional and experimental relationships between aerobic fitness and executive control function; and 4) make recommendations for future research. Given that the human brain is not fully developed until the third decade of life, preadolescence is characterized by changes in brain structure and function underlying aspects of cognition including executive control and relational memory. Achieving adequate physical activity and maintaining aerobic fitness in childhood may be a critical guideline to follow for physical as well as cognitive and brain health.

scholarly journals Use of Active Salmon-Lecithin Nanoliposomes to Increase Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Bioavailability in Cortical Neurons and Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11859
Author(s):  
Elodie Passeri ◽  
Kamil Elkhoury ◽  
Maria Camila Jiménez Garavito ◽  
Frédéric Desor ◽  
Marion Huguet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Docosahexaenoic Acid ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Particle Surface ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Rat Embryo ◽  
Negative Particle ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Brain

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) play an important role in the development, maintenance, and function of the brain. Dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs in neurological diseases has been a subject of particular interest in preventing cognitive deficits, and particularly in age-related neurodegeneration. Developing strategies for the efficient delivery of these lipids to the brain has presented a challenge in recent years. We recently reported the preparation of n-3 PUFA-rich nanoliposomes (NLs) from salmon lecithin, and demonstrated their neurotrophic effects in rat embryo cortical neurons. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of these NLs to deliver PUFAs in cellulo and in vivo (in mice). NLs were prepared using salmon lecithin rich in n-3 PUFAs (29.13%), and characterized with an average size of 107.90 ± 0.35 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.25 ± 0.01, and a negative particle-surface electrical charge (−50.4 ± 0.2 mV). Incubation of rat embryo cortical neurons with NLs led to a significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (51.5%, p < 0.01), as well as palmitic acid, and a small decrease in oleic acid after 72 h (12.2%, p < 0.05). Twenty mice on a standard diet received oral administration of NLs (12 mg/mouse/day; 5 days per week) for 8 weeks. Fatty acid profiles obtained via gas chromatography revealed significant increases in cortical levels of saturated, monounsaturated, and n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid,) and n-6 (docosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid) PUFAs. This was not the case for the hippocampus or in the liver. There were no effects on plasma lipid levels, and daily monitoring confirmed NL biocompatibility. These results demonstrate that NLs can be used for delivery of PUFAs to the brain. This study opens new research possibilities in the development of preventive as well as therapeutic strategies for age-related neurodegeneration.

scholarly journals A Walnut-Enriched Diet Modifies the Oxylipin Profile in Liver and Brain of Aged Mice — Impact on Inflammation Markers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1203-1203
Author(s):  
Gunter Eckert ◽  
Gunter Esselun ◽  
Elisabeth Koch ◽  
Nils Schebb
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Brain Aging ◽  
Inflammatory Marker ◽  
Inflammation Markers ◽  
Aged Mice ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Related Increase

Abstract Objectives Neuroinflammation contributes to brain-aging which may be mitigated by anti-inflammatory oxylipins. Based on our previous findings that a 6% walnut-enriched diet alone, and additional physical activity (PA), enhanced cognition in 18 months old NMRI, we now investigated the effects of this diet on oxylipin- and inflammatory marker levels in liver and brain. Methods 18 months and 3 months old female NMRI mice were fed with a 6% walnut-enriched diet. Oxylipins were determined in brain and liver sections using LC-MS. Expression of IL1β gene was determined by qRT-PCR. Results The walnut diet compensates for the age related increase in IL1β gene expression in the liver of mice, whereas expression in the brain was not affected. Basal levels of oxylipins in brain and liver samples isolated from young mice were generally lower compared to aged mice. The walnut diet further increased oxylipin levels of walnut specific fatty acids in liver and brain of aged mice. Enrichment of linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) derived oxylipin levels were quantitatively higher in the liver compared to the brain (P &lt; 0.0001). Hydroxy-oxylipins (HO) based on fatty acid LA were significantly increased in brain (P &lt; 0.001) and liver (P &lt; 0.0001) compared to control mice, while ALA based HO were only detected in the brains of walnut fed mice. The walnut diet in combination with physical activity (PA) reduced ARA based oxylipin levels (P &lt; 0.05). Across all groups, concentrations of prostanoids were higher in the brain as compared to liver (P &lt; 0.001). In the liver, walnuts tended to decrease PGD2 and TxB2 levels while increasing 6-keto PGF1α. The latter, as well as TxB2 tended to be decreased in the brain. Other ARA based prostanoids were unaffected. Effects of PA were contrary to each other, tending to increase ARA based prostanoids in the liver while decreasing them in the brain. PA further enhanced this effect in the brain, but tended to increase the inflammatory response in the liver. Conclusions A walnut diet differentially affects the oxylipin profile of liver and brain in aged mice. Production of oxylipins based on walnut fatty acids is generally increased. Attenuation of age-related, chronic inflammation in might be one of walnut's benefits and may contribute to a healthier aging of the brain. Funding Sources Research was supported by grants from California Walnut Commission.

A Review of Childhood Physical Activity, Brain, and Cognition: Perspectives on the Future

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles H. Hillman ◽  
John R. Biggan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Exercise Medicine ◽  
Childhood Physical Activity ◽  
American Society ◽  
State Of The Science ◽  
Health Cognition ◽  
Future Growth

This manuscript, which arose from the inaugural Tom Rowland Lecture Series at the 2016 North American Society for Pediatric Exercise Medicine conference, provides a brief descriptive review of what is known (i.e., the state of the science) regarding the relation of childhood physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) to brain health, cognition, and academic outcomes. Gaps in the knowledgebase are identified, including characteristics of the PA stimulus that promotes changes in brain and cognition, whether critical periods in development exist in which PA/CRF may have a disproportionately large influence, the understanding of individual difference factors, and the influence upon learning. Lastly, several possible directions for future research are proposed. Although the field of childhood PA, CRF, brain, and cognition is rapidly expanding, there is considerable room for future growth. This manuscript may be helpful in shaping that future growth, with the goal of improving lifelong health and effective functioning.

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