Aerobic exercise, an effective prevention and treatment for mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Aerobic exercise has emerged as a promising intervention for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia. The therapeutic benefits of aerobic exercise are multifaceted, encompassing both clinical and molecular domains. Clinically, aerobic exercise has been shown to mitigate hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, conditions that significantly elevate the risk of MCI. Moreover, it stimulates the release of nitric oxide, enhancing arterial elasticity and reducing blood pressure. At a molecular level, it is hypothesized that aerobic exercise modulates the activation of microglia and astrocytes, cells crucial to brain inflammation and neurogenesis, respectively. It has also been suggested that aerobic exercise promotes the release of exercise factors such as irisin, cathepsin B, CLU, and GPLD1, which could enhance synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. Consequently, regular aerobic exercise could potentially prevent or reduce the likelihood of MCI development in elderly individuals. These molecular mechanisms, however, are hypotheses that require further validation. The mechanisms of action are intricate, and further research is needed to elucidate the precise molecular underpinnings and to develop targeted therapeutics for MCI.

Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning

“…There are, therefore, some experimental data supporting the role of BDNF as a mediating factor for cognitive improvements; as the hippocampus is crucial for memory consolidation and learning, so is the generation of new neurons and the increased plasticity in this region [89,90]. The most current studies in the field of neuroscience applied to motor activity suggest that BDNF has numerous beneficial effects on the mind, as it is capable of inducing significant performance improvements on aspects such as attention and cognitive control, the emotional and social sphere, and short-and long-term memory [91,92]. In light of the numerous scientific evidence provided by the most current neuroscientific research, it is possible to state that BDNF could therefore be a potential modulator of the effects of aerobic motor activity on the cognitive performance of young adults.…”

Caring for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Spotlight on Hispanic Caregivers

“…Knowing the distinctions between common age-related memory problems and diseases like dementia and MCI becomes more crucial as you age. MCI, which is characterized as a stage in between normal cognitive function and dementia, is more common as people age and is common in the older population [ 34 ]. Nevertheless, despite MCI’s widespread prevalence, little is known about it, and many individuals living with dementia put off seeing a doctor.…”