Cognitive Aging and the Promise of Physical Activity

Abstract

Is the field of cognitive aging irretrievably concerned with decline and deficits, or is it shifting to emphasize the hope of preservation and enhancement of cognitive function in late life? A fragment of an answer comes from research attempting to understand the reasons for individual variability in the extent and rate of cognitive decline. This body of work has created a sense of optimism based on evidence that there are some health behaviors that amplify cognitive performance or mitigate the rate of age-related cognitive decline. In this context, we discuss the role of physical activity on neurocognitive function in late adulthood and summarize how it can be conceptualized as a constructive approach both for the maintenance of cognitive function and as a therapeutic for enhancing or optimizing cognitive function in late life. In this way, physical activity research can be used to shape perceptions of cognitive aging. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Volume 18 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

What Types of Exercise Are Best for Emotional Intelligence and Logical Thinking?

“…However, in men, LT was not related to the type of exercise. Several studies are currently looking at associations between PA and cognitive functions [ 4 , 5 , 8 , 12 , 16 , 36 , 37 , 38 ] or learning achievements [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. To determine the effectiveness of intuitive thinking and LT, we selected the CRT [ 26 ].…”

“…There is an increasing amount of evidence-based research showing that various forms and doses of physical activity (PA) or exercise are effective in combating many chronic diseases [ 1 , 2 ] and improving well-being and mental health [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The health benefits of PA are influenced by age, sex, health, and body mass index (BMI) [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

Going digital – a commentary on the terminology used at the intersection of physical activity and digital health

“…Given that higher levels of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with detrimental health consequences [ 23 , 39 – 43 ], the above-presented evidence suggests that, especially in the aging population, appropriate countermeasures such as interventions to promote regular and structured forms of physical activity - defined as physical exercise and/or physical training (see Table 1 ) - should be initiated. The latter idea is strongly reinforced by mounting evidence showing that regular and structured forms of physical activity are a crucial element of healthy aging [ 44 – 51 ].…”

Effects and mechanisms of mindfulness training and physical exercise on cognition, emotional wellbeing, and brain outcomes in chronic stroke patients: Study protocol of the MindFit project randomized controlled trial

“…There might be a variety of processes behind the benefits of PE, including cellular and molecular, brain structure and function, and psychosocial mechanisms ( Stillman et al, 2020 ). Biological mechanisms underlying cognitive and emotional benefits of PE include increased production of growth factors (e.g., BDNF, IGF-1), and decreased synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules (e.g., CRP, IL-6), and accumulation of markers of neurodegeneration ( Kandola et al, 2019 ; Stillman et al, 2020 ; Erickson et al, 2022 ). At a brain level, the positive influence of PE on the hippocampus and prefrontal gray matter volume ( Erickson et al, 2014 ), global white matter volume ( Sexton et al, 2016 ), and increased cross-network specificity across various functional networks ( Stillman et al, 2019 ) have been described.…”