scholarly journals The Potential Mediation of the Effects of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function by the Gut Microbiome

Geriatrics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Victoria Sanborn ◽  
John Gunstad
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Biological Mechanisms ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Cognitive Improvement ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Dementia Risk ◽  
Reduce Risk

The population of older adults is growing dramatically worldwide. As older adults are at greater risk of developing disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction (i.e., dementia), healthcare costs are expected to double by 2040. Evidence suggests dementia may be slowed or prevented by lifestyle interventions, including physical activity (PA). PA is associated with improved cognitive function and may reduce risk for dementia by mitigating known risk factors (i.e., cardiovascular diseases) and/or by enhancing neurochemical processes. An emerging area of research suggests the gut microbiome may have similar neuroprotective effects. Altering the gut microbiome has been found to target physiological processes associated with dementia risk, and it influences gut-brain-microbiome axis signaling, impacting cognitive functioning. The gut microbiome can be altered by several means (i.e., disease, diet, prebiotics, probiotics), including PA. As PA and the gut microbiome independently influence cognitive function and PA changes the composition of the gut microbiome, cognitive improvement due to PA may be partially mediated by the gut microbiome. The present article provides an overview of the literature regarding the complex associations among PA, cognitive function, and the gut microbiome, as well as their underlying biological mechanisms. A comprehensive, theoretical model integrating evidence for the potential mediation is proposed.

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.

A Taxonomy to Aid in the Design of Complex Physical Activities for Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-25
Author(s):  
Lyndsie M. Koon ◽  
Robert J. Brustad ◽  
Megan Babkes Stellino
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Environmental Context ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
The Body ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Aging Adults ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Positive Results

Physical activity participation is a non-pharmaceutical intervention that can be utilized to maintain and improve cognitive function in aging adults. Although simple physical activities yield positive results in regards to cognitive function, cognitively and motorically complex physical activities may have an even greater benefit on neuroplasticity for older adults. Commercially available products such as physical activity apps or exergames offer this population a means to engage in regular physical activity on their own. However, a taxonomy is necessary to help distinguish simpler physical activities from more complex physical activities. The taxonomy proposed in this paper carefully considers the following characteristics: the stability or transport of the body, object manipulation, intertrial variability, the environmental context and the reaction or to others. The dimensions of the taxonomy are operationally defined and practical applications are provided.

scholarly journals 0847 EFFECTS OF SLEEP DISORDER AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS

SLEEP ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. A314-A314
Author(s):  
A Noda ◽  
S Miyata ◽  
K Iwamoto ◽  
N Ozaki
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Sleep Disorder

Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Reduce Risk

For more than half a century fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology have enthusiastically advocated for the promotion and adoption of physically active lifestyles as an affordable and effective means to prevent chronic diseases and conditions, and enhance independence and high quality of life for older adults. It is possible to discern distinct evolutionary stages when examining scholarship related to the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy aging. Research into physical activity and aging began with critical early studies that established the underlying scientific evidence for a relationship between physical activity and healthy aging. More recent work has addressed such topics as building consumer demand, developing policies and legislation to support active aging, and understanding the complex interrelationships between physical activity and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions. It is increasingly apparent that strategies to promote active and successful aging must be integrated into an effective public policy. Kinesiologists and other health professionals, working in collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines, can help to reduce risk factors for chronic disease and improve quality of life for older adults by building awareness of the importance of physical activity and by assisting with the development and implementation of appropriate and effective interventions that reduce risk factors and improve quality of life.

scholarly journals Link Between Dietary Sodium Intake, Cognitive Function, and Dementia Risk in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Devi Mohan ◽  
Kwong Hsia Yap ◽  
Daniel Reidpath ◽  
Yee Chang Soh ◽  
Andrea McGrattan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Dietary Sodium ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Dementia Risk

The Bidirectional Association Between Physical and Cognitive Function Among Chinese Older Adults: A Mediation Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502094021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohang Zhao ◽  
Lei Jin ◽  
Skylar Biyang Sun
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Vicious Cycle ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Bidirectional Association

This study investigated the bidirectional association between physical and cognitive function in later life and examined the mechanisms underlying the interrelationship. We employed cross-lagged panel models to analyze a sample of 4232 unique participants aged 65 years and older from three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Physical activity and social participation were tested as potential mediators between physical and cognitive function. Our findings revealed a reciprocal relationship between physical and cognitive function and a reciprocal relationship between physical and cognitive decline. Moreover, physical activity was confirmed to mediate the bidirectional association between physical and cognitive function, whereas social participation did not seem to be a mediator. A vicious cycle linking physical and cognitive decline may exist in Chinese older adults. However, leading a physically active lifestyle could be an effective intervention to slow physical and cognitive aging, thereby toning down the vicious cycle.

scholarly journals Cognitive function of older adults engaging in physical activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monisha Ingold ◽  
Nikki Tulliani ◽  
Chetwyn C. H. Chan ◽  
Karen P. Y. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function
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