Exercise is Medicine for the Aging Brain

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Liu-Ambrose ◽  
John R. Best
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Lifestyle Factor ◽  
Aging Brain ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Modifying Factors ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Cognitive decline is a common feature of aging. Physical activity is a modifiable lifestyle factor that has been identified as positively impacting cognitive health of older adults. Here, we review the current evidence from epidemiological (i.e., longitudinal cohort) and intervention studies on the role of physical activity and exercise in promoting cognitive health in older adults both with and without cognitive impairment. We highlight some of the potential underlying mechanisms and discuss some of the potential modifying factors, including exercise type and target population, by reviewing recent converging behavioral, neuroimaging, and biomarker evidence linking physical activity with cognitive health. We conclude with limitations and future directions for this rapidly expanding line of research.

scholarly journals Physical activity for brain health in older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (11) ◽  
pp. 1105-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Liu-Ambrose ◽  
Cindy K. Barha ◽  
John R. Best
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Biological Sex ◽  
Promising Strategy ◽  
Dementia Prevention ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Physical activity is a promising strategy for dementia prevention and disease modification. Here, we provide a narrative review of the current evidence from epidemiological and intervention studies on the role of physical activity and exercise in promoting cognitive health in older adults both without and with cognitive impairment. We highlight some of the potential underlying mechanisms and discuss biological sex as a potential moderating factor. We conclude with limitations and future directions for this rapidly expanding line of research.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physical Rehabilitation

2021 ◽  
pp. 189-198
Author(s):  
Camila Astolphi Lima ◽  
Renato Barbosa dos Santos ◽  
Monica Rodrigues Perracini
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Geriatric Syndromes ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Health Trajectories ◽  
The Life Course

AbstractEnhancing physical activity promotes positive health trajectories throughout the life course. Physical activity should be tailored and graded to suit older adults’ capacities and needs and can be combined with rehabilitation interventions to manage geriatric syndromes and disability. This chapter provides a summary of current evidence about the role of physical activity for older adults, emphasizing nutritional aspects. We also present strategies to help health-care professionals to enhance physical activity participation.

Physical Activity and Cognitive-Health Content in Top-Circulating Magazines, 2006–2008

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Price ◽  
Sara J. Corwin ◽  
Daniela B. Friedman ◽  
Sarah B. Laditka ◽  
Natalie Colabianchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Popular Media ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Physical Activity Recommendations ◽  
Activity Recommendations

Physical activity may promote cognitive health in older adults. Popular media play an important role in preventive health communication. This study examined articles discussing associations between physical activity and cognitive health in top-circulating magazines targeting older adults. 42,753 pages of magazines published from 2006 to 2008 were reviewed; 26 articles met inclusion criteria. Explanations regarding the link between physical activity and cognitive health were provided in 57.7% of articles. These explanations were generally consistent with empirical evidence; however, few articles included empirical evidence. Physical activity recommendations were presented in 80.8% of articles; a wide range was recommended (90–300 min of physical activity per wk). Socioeconomic status and education level were not mentioned in the text. Results suggest an opportunity for greater coverage regarding the role of physical activity in promoting cognitive health in popular media. Magazine content would benefit from including more empirical evidence, culturally sensitive content, and physical activity recommendations that are consistent with U.S. guidelines.

scholarly journals The role of exercise and physical activity on aging-related diseases and geriatric syndromes

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Mehdi Kushkestani ◽  
Mohsen Parvani ◽  
Mahmood Ghafari ◽  
Zahra Avazpoor
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Geriatric Syndrome ◽  
Geriatric Syndromes ◽  
Public Health Burden

Aging is a complex process of physiological and social changes that leads to various diseases. The number of elderly people in the world is increasing dramatically and it should be noted that rapid population aging represents a major public health burden. On the other hand, providing an appropriate and low-cost approach to control and prevent complications such as chronic diseases, physical dysfunction, and the geriatric syndrome is necessary. Also, numerous studies have shown that participation in physical activity and exercise training reduces the incidence of dysfunctional capacity, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, as well as the premature death rate in older adults. After plenty of precise observations about the role of exercise on aging-related diseases and geriatric syndromes articles, the benefits of exercise and physical activity in older adults will be more tangible. Therefore, the first purpose of the present review was to investigate the mechanisms of PA and exercises that are involved in the prevention of aging-related diseases and GS using current evidence (from 2015 onwards). Also, the purpose of this study was to provide an exercise guideline (aerobic and resistance training) based on recent evidence (from 2015 onwards). El envejecimiento es un proceso complejo de cambios fisiológicos y sociales que conduce a diversas enfermedades. El número de personas de edad avanzada en el mundo está aumentando drásticamente y cabe señalar que el rápido envejecimiento de la población representa una importante carga para la salud pública. Por otro lado, es necesario brindar un enfoque adecuado y de bajo costo para controlar y prevenir complicaciones como enfermedades crónicas, disfunción física y síndrome geriátrico. Además, numerosos estudios han demostrado que la participación en la actividad física y el entrenamiento físico reduce la incidencia de disfunciones, enfermedades cardiovasculares y metabólicas, así como la tasa de muerte prematura en los adultos mayores. Después de muchas observaciones precisas sobre el papel del ejercicio en los artículos sobre enfermedades relacionadas con el envejecimiento y síndromes geriátricos, los beneficios del ejercicio y la actividad física en los adultos mayores serán más tangibles. Por lo tanto, el primer propósito de la presente revisión fue investigar los mecanismos de actividad física y ejercicios que están involucrados en la prevención de enfermedades relacionadas con el envejecimiento y síndrome geriátrico utilizando la evidencia actual (de 2015 en adelante). Además, el propósito de este estudio fue proporcionar una guía de ejercicio (entrenamiento aeróbico y de resistencia) basada en evidencia reciente (de 2015 en adelante).

scholarly journals 306 - Loneliness and mortality in older adults and the role of depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 64-64
Author(s):  
T.J. Holwerda ◽  
D. Rhebergen ◽  
H.C. Comijs ◽  
J.J.M. Dekker ◽  
M.L. Stek
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Perspective ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

Background:The prevalence of loneliness increases with age. The presence of loneliness in older adults has been found to be associated with health problems such as depression, decreased cognitive functioning, increases in systolic blood pressure and increased mortality. The underlying mechanisms of the higher mortality risk are largely unknown.Methods:Meta-analysis to investigate the present evidence for the associations between loneliness and mortality. Cross-sectional studies investigating the associations between loneliness and cardiovascular disease and between loneliness and cortisol in 378 depressed and 132 non-depressed older adults.Results:Loneliness appears to be associated with increased mortality, although when only studies are included that consider depression as a covariate, the association is not significant. Therefore it seems likely that depression plays a mediating role in the higher mortality risk.We did not find a significant association between loneliness and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, loneliness was significantly associated with lower cortisol output and decreased dexamethasone suppression.Discussion:The results and their implications for prevention and treatment will be discussed from a clinical perspective as well as a general health perspective. Is loneliness as potentially dangerous as depression?

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF HEALTH LITERACY ON PROCESS AND OUTCOMES OF A DIABETES SELF-HELP INTERVENTION WITH KOREAN AMERICANS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S406-S406
Author(s):  
Miyong T Kim
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Glucose Control ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Korean Americans ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explicate the underlying mechanisms of the role of health literacy (HL) in diabetes management process involving a group of Korean Americans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We used data from a randomized clinical trial of an HL-focused diabetes self-management intervention (n = 250). A series of path analyses identified the level of self-efficacy and self-care skills as a significant mediator between HL and glucose control (HbA1C) and quality of life for the target population. In addition, education and acculturation were revealed as the most significant correlates of HL for this new immigrant group. Despite inconsistent empirical findings regarding the statistically significant effect of HL on glucose control, this study confirmed the apriority hypothesis that HL indirectly influences health outcome through mediators such self-care skills as self-efficacy. This study highlighted the importance of HL in chronic disease management for people with limited HL.

scholarly journals The Role of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Predicting Daily Pain and Fatigue in Older Adults: a Diary Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saengryeol Park ◽  
Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani ◽  
Jet J C S Veldhuijzen van Zanten ◽  
Nikos Ntoumanis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Diary Study ◽  
Daily Pain

Neighborhood walkability and health outcomes among older adults: The mediating role of physical activity

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 16-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelle Van Cauwenberg ◽  
Veerle Van Holle ◽  
Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽  
Delfien Van Dyck ◽  
Benedicte Deforche
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Mediating Role

scholarly journals Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: A Narrative Review of the Evidence, Possible Biological Mechanisms, and Recommendations for Exercise Prescription

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adria Quigley ◽  
Marilyn MacKay-Lyons ◽  
Gail Eskes
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Vascular Function ◽  
Exercise Prescription ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Biological Mechanisms ◽  
Cognitive Improvement ◽  
Physical Activity And Exercise

Physical activity and exercise have emerged as potential methods to improve brain health among older adults. However, there are currently no physical activity guidelines aimed at improving cognitive function, and the mechanisms underlying these cognitive benefits are poorly understood. The purpose of this narrative review is to present the current evidence regarding the effects of physical activity and exercise on cognition in older adults without cognitive impairment, identify potential mechanisms underlying these effects, and make recommendations for exercise prescription to enhance cognitive performance. The review begins with a summary of evidence of the effect of chronic physical activity and exercise on cognition. Attention then turns to four main biological mechanisms that appear to underlie exercise-induced cognitive improvement, including the upregulation of growth factors and neuroplasticity, inhibition of inflammatory biomarker production, improved vascular function, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation. The last section provides an overview of exercise parameters known to optimize cognition in older adults, such as exercise type, frequency, intensity, session duration, and exercise program duration.

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