scholarly journals The Effect of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Impairment in Neurodegenerative Disease: From Pathophysiology to Clinical and Rehabilitative Aspects

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11632
Author(s):  
Giacomo Farì ◽  
Paola Lunetti ◽  
Giovanni Pignatelli ◽  
Maria Vittoria Raele ◽  
Alessandra Cera ◽  
...  

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of pathologies that cause severe disability due to motor and cognitive limitations. In particular, cognitive impairment is a growing health and socioeconomic problem which is still difficult to deal with today. As there are no pharmacologically effective treatments for cognitive deficits, scientific interest is growing regarding the possible impacts of healthy lifestyles on them. In this context, physical activity is gaining more and more evidence as a primary prevention intervention, a nonpharmacological therapy and a rehabilitation tool for improving cognitive functions in neurodegenerative diseases. In this descriptive overview we highlight the neurobiological effects of physical exercise, which is able to promote neuroplasticity and neuroprotection by acting at the cytokine and hormonal level, and the consequent positive clinical effects on patients suffering from cognitive impairment.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Dupré ◽  
B Bongue ◽  
L Fruteau de Laclos ◽  
J Blais ◽  
M-J Sirois

Abstract Background Previous studies have been notably criticized for not studying the different types of physical activity. The objective of this work was to examine the association between types of physical activity and cognitive decline in older people. Methods This is a sub-group analysis from the CETI cohort, a multicenter prospective study conducted by the Canadian Emergency Team Initiative Program (CETIE), between 2011 and 2016. Participants were community-dwelling seniors aged ≥ 65 years, consult emergency services for minor injuries with follow-up at 3 and 6 months. Physical activity was assessed by the RAPA (Rapid assessment of Physical activity), which describes the level of aerobic activities and the overall level of muscle strength and flexibility activities. The cognitive status was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), using their current cut-offs (MoCA <26/30 and TICS < = 35/50) for mild cognitive impairments (MCI). Logistic regression, COX models and splines were used to examine the association between the type of physical activities and the onset of cognitive impairment. Results At inclusion, 281 individuals were free of MCI, or 43.8% of the total sample, with an average age of 73 years. During follow-ups, MCI appeared in 31.7% of participants initially free of it. The risk of MCI was lower with higher muscular strength & flexibility physical activities (HR = 0.84 [0.70-0.99]), while the relationship with aerobic physical activities was not significant. Conclusions These results showed a potential link between strength & flexibility activities and cognitive impairments, but not with aerobic physical activities. Further analyses are needed to examine whether these relationships persist as a function of the adjustment variables, or statistical methods. This study contributes to the debate on the evaluation of physical activity in the elderly, and its link with neurodegenerative diseases. Key messages This study analyzed the link between types of physical activity and mild cognitive disorders. The aim is to put in place preventive policies of aging, specially in neurodegenerative diseases. The work allowed us to see the effect of the different types of physical activity and the impact of the statistical method on the results.


2019 ◽  
pp. 52-58
Author(s):  
A. N. Bogolepova

The prevalence of dementia increases progressively, which actualizes the issue of prevention. Primary prevention of dementia involves preventing the transformation of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) into dementia, secondary prevention involves the early detection and early treatment of dementia, and tertiary prevention involves slowing down the progression of dementia. Current studies pay much attention to the correction of modifiable risk factors due to lifestyle, as primary prevention. Physical activity is a very important component of a healthy lifestyle, which is aimed at preventing the development of cognitive decline. The mechanisms of the positive effect of physical activity on cognitive functions are associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, increased cerebral perfusion and cerebral blood flow, changes in neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity. Nutrition strategies focus on dieting, among which the Mediterranean diet has produced hopeful results. Sleep normalization is also considered a very important aspect of the prevention of cognitive impairment, because sleep disturbances provoke the development of cardiovascular pathology and affect the amyloid metabolism. However, along with combating risk factors, more and more attention is now being paid to the possibilities of drug treatments to prevent dementia. The experimental studies confirmed the neuroprotective effect of Akatinol (memantine). The clinical studies proved the efficacy of Akatinol in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia and showed the disease-modifying effect.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Laura Vizzi ◽  
Elvira Padua ◽  
Agata Grazia D’Amico ◽  
Virginia Tancredi ◽  
Giovanna D’Arcangelo ◽  
...  

Studies on the effectiveness of physical exercise to treat and/or prevent mental disorders are essential and particularly appropriate, given the rapid growth of the elderly population and the consequent increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. The onset of neurodegenerative diseases is subtle, and progression is irreversible, as there is still no cure capable of stopping them permanently. Therefore, we should not underestimate these diseases and should immediately begin to combine the treatment with physical activity adapted to specific needs. Indeed, it is well known that physical activity has positive effects on mobility, autonomy, and functional capacity, improving not only cognitive functions, but also reducing the risk of developing dementia. Despite several studies in this field, to date there are no specific and effective protocols that promote physical exercise in people with dementia. Based on this evidence, the aim of the present work was to verify whether an adapted physical exercise regimen could promote the maintenance of psychomotor functions in elderly subjects and, therefore, delay the irreversible effects of combinations of dementia and other pathologies associated with aging. Our results clearly show that exercise is very effective in improving psychomotor functions and delaying the progress of neurodegenerative diseases in humans, since we observed that the subjects maintained their cognitive skills after 8 months of physical activity, moreover, two patients presented an amelioration. Based on the results obtained, we recommend that the motor practice, in any chosen form, be considered an integral part of prevention programs based on an active lifestyle in older people. Future studies will be necessary to establish how long lasting the benefits of a specific physical activity are and whether they are enough to delay cognitive decline.


Author(s):  
А.А. Пальцын

Жизненный опыт, многочисленные экспериментальные и клинические данные свидетельствуют о благотворном действии движения, физических нагрузок на сохранение телесного и душевного здоровья человека. Более того, множество психических, неврологических и нейродегенеративных болезней и состояний, таких как инсульт, травмы мозга, наркомании, для которых нет эффективных фармакологических средств, могут быть предотвращены, существенно облегчены, замедленны в развитии физическими упражнениями. Современная неврология выяснила ряд механизмов, которыми мышечное движение обеспечивает профилактический и лечебный эффект: синтез нейротрансмиттеров, нейротрофинов и других факторов роста, стимуляция нейропластичности, образование новых связей и перекомбинация старых, ангиогенез, митогормезис, нейрогенез. Life experience and numerous experimental and clinical data evidence beneficial effects of mobility and physical activity on maintaining human bodily and mental health. Moreover, many mental, neurological, and neurodegenerative diseases and conditions, such as stroke, brain trauma, and drug addiction, for which there are no effective pharmacological therapies, can be prevented, considerably alleviated or slowed by physical exercise. Modern neurology has identified a number of mechanisms, by which muscular movements provide preventive and curative effects, including synthesis of neurotransmitters, neurotrophins and other growth factors, stimulation of neuroplasticity, formation of new and recombination of old connections, angiogenesis, mitohormesis, and neurogenesis.


Author(s):  
Juan Miguel Fernández Campoy

Abstract.SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS A MEANS FOR REDUCING LEVELS OF COGNITIVE DECLINE IN THE ELDERLY.Thanks to scientific knowledge, developed societies begin to assume that the population is growing significantly, which makes copper paramount importance in order to guarantee high levels of quality of life, articulation and implementation of a wide range of activities and programs that enable them to reduce their levels of cognitive impairment. It is in this context that the programs and activities of sport and physical activity are presented as outstanding instruments to ensure that older acquire and adopt efficient sports routines and healthy habits that will enable them to reduce their levels of cognitive decline and improve the quality of lifetime. From this situation, with this empirical study, we try to ascertain whether there is empirical evidence to affirm categorically that the combination of exercise and healthy lifestyle helps reduce levels of cognitive impairment in old age and therefore, to increase their quality of life. For this we used a descriptive methodology characterized by the use of qualitative instruments, such as the analysis of the main scientific studies on the subject, preceded the present. Although the data collected are not entirely decisive, it does shows that those elderly who manage to maintain significant levels of physical activity and sport and, moreover, are able to adopt healthy lifestyles will be able to maintain adequate health balance and, Consequently, a higher quality of life. interesting results are presented for future studies and research in this area continue to deepen. the desirability of the biggest sporting routines and adopt healthy lifestyles as a great strategy to ensure adequate health balance that enables them to increase their levels of perceived quality of life.Keywords: Health balance, cognitive impairment, elderly, programs and physical activities and sports, healthy lifestyle, quality of life.Resumen.Merced al conocimiento científico, las sociedades desarrolladas comienzan a asumir que la población mayor está creciendo de manera significativa, lo que hace que cobre una importancia capital, a fin de garantizarles altos niveles de calidad de vida, la articulación e implementación de una amplio abanico de actividades y programas que les posibiliten reducir sus niveles de deterioro cognitivo. Es precisamente en este contexto donde los programas y actividades de actividad física y deportiva se presentan como destacados instrumentos para garantizar que los mayores adquieran y adopten eficientes rutinas deportivas y hábitos de vida saludable que les posibiliten reducir sus niveles de deterioro cognitivo e incrementar su calidad de vida. A partir de esta situación, con el presente estudio empírico, se intenta comprobar si existen evidencias empíricas que permitan afirmar, con rotundidad, que la combinación de ejercicio físico y de hábitos de vida saludable contribuye a reducir los niveles de deterioro cognitivo durante la vejez y, por tanto, a incrementar su calidad de vida. Para ello se ha utilizado una metodología descriptiva caracterizada por el empleo de instrumentos de corte cualitativo, como son el análisis de los principales estudios científicos que, sobre la temática, han precedido al presente. Aunque los datos recopilados no son totalmente determinantes, sí que se aprecia que aquellos mayores que logran mantener importantes niveles de actividad física y deportiva y que, además, son capaces de adoptar hábitos de vida saludable van a conseguir mantener un adecuado equilibrio sanitario y, en consecuencia, una mayor calidad de vida. Se presentan resultados interesantes para futuros estudios e investigaciones que continúen profundizando en este ámbito. Se percibe la conveniencia de que los mayores adopten rutinas deportivas y hábitos de vida saludable como una gran estrategia para garantizarles un adecuado equilibrio sanitario que les posibilite incrementar sus niveles de calidad de vida.Palabras clave: Equilibrio sanitario, deterioro cognitivo, personas mayores, programas y actividades físicas y deportivas, hábitos de vida saludable, calidad de vida.


2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchika Shaurya Prakash ◽  
Erin M. Snook ◽  
Arthur F. Kramer ◽  
Robert W. Motl

Cognitive difficulties represent a core symptom experienced by individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The field of gerontology has provided evidence that physical activity may moderate the decline in cognitive functioning that occurs with increasing age. Based on that evidence, we examined the association between physical activity and perceived cognitive impairment in people with RRMS. The study sample consisted of 82 individuals with RRMS who completed an initial battery of questionnaires, including the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), wore an accelerometer for 7 days, and then completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Physical activity, measured by either an accelerometer or the GLTEQ, was inversely associated with overall PDQ scores, even after controlling for clinical and demographic factors. Additional studies are needed on physical activity as a modifiable behavior with a potential impact on cognitive impairment in individuals with RRMS.


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Falzone ◽  
Maria Grimaldi ◽  
Egidio Celentano ◽  
Livia S. A. Augustin ◽  
Massimo Libra

Background: Several studies have shown that healthy lifestyles prevent the risk of breast cancer (BC) and are associated with better prognosis. It was hypothesized that lifestyle strategies induce microRNA (miRNA) modulation that, in turn, may lead to important epigenetic modifications. The identification of miRNAs associated with BC, diet, and physical activity may give further insights into the role played by lifestyle interventions and their efficacy for BC patients. To predict which miRNAs may be modulated by diet and physical activity in BC patients, the analyses of different miRNA expression datasets were performed. Methods: The GEO DataSets database was used to select miRNA expression datasets related to BC patients, dietary interventions, and physical exercise. Further bioinformatic approaches were used to establish the value of selected miRNAs in BC development and prognosis. Results: The analysis of datasets allowed the selection of modulated miRNAs associated with BC development, diet, and physical exercise. Seven miRNAs were also associated with the overall survival of BC patients. Conclusions: The identified miRNAs may play a role in the development of BC and may have a prognostic value in patients treated with integrative interventions including diet and physical activity. Validation of such modulated miRNAs on BC patients undergoing lifestyle strategies will be mandatory.


2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  

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.


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