Effect of Exercise on Cognition in Neurodegenerative Disorders: An Approach Focusing on BDNF

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders are remarkable health problems that cause a massive social and economic burden, and the issue of their long-term and effective treatment is subjected to discussion. The effect of physical activity and exercise is under investigation in the treatment of the major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia which are accompanied by cognitive dysfunctions. Scientists focus on the positive effects of exercise on learning, memory and attention parameters while investigating the regulatory role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In this review, the effect of aerobic exercise on peripheral BDNF levels in MDD and schizophrenia is examined by including human studies in which acute and chronic aerobic exercise are applied. The results showed that aerobic exercise caused different responses on BDNF levels, and some of the studies were accompanied by the improvement in cognitive functions in BDNF changes. In order to comprehend the effect of aerobic exercise in MDD and schizophrenia, it is understood that applying studies on larger and paired participant groups with different exercise frequencies and tensions in necessary.

Associação entre o fator neurotrófico derivado do encéfalo (BDNF) e o transtorno depressivo: uma revisão de literatura

“…Tais dados, falam a favor dos estudos de Colucci-D'Amato et al (2020) e Gökçe et al (2019). De maneira que, o primeiro relacionou exercícios aeróbios com o aumento dos níveis de BDNF e consequente aumento volumétrico de áreas cerebrais, tais como a região hipocampal.…”

Physical exercise and the patient with schizophrenia

“…3 Alterations in many neurobiological and humoral factors have been studied as causal factors underlying the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, including volume and functional deficits of cerebral white and grey matter, attenuated resting state connectivity and task-related activation of certain brain areas; 4,5 several neurotransmitter systems; growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); and immunerelated mechanisms, especially those related to pro-inflammatory activity. 5,6 Inconsistencies in results confound absolute conclusions, but volumetric and functional deficits of the hippocampus (a brain structure central to learning, memory and cognitive integration) and a decrease in the levels of BDNF (a protein involved in the neuroplasticity Physical exercise and the patient with schizophrenia of the central nervous system) are repeatedly reported. In addition to the neurobiological and humoral factors, polygenetic risk is described as a possible causal factor contributing to both the psychiatric symptoms and comorbidities.…”

“…In addition to the neurobiological and humoral factors, polygenetic risk is described as a possible causal factor contributing to both the psychiatric symptoms and comorbidities. [6][7][8] Most individuals with schizophrenia have reduced rates of physical activity compared with the general population. Major contributors to this sedentary behaviour include fatigue, partly linked to the effects of antipsychotic medication; somatic comorbidities such as obesity, metabolic and cardiorespiratory health issues; low motivation to exercise, probably related to the negative symptoms of the disorder; lack of confidence, especially anxiety and stress about exercising in public; and a lack of resources or encouragement from others to exercise.…”

BDNF as a Biomarker of Cognition in Schizophrenia/Psychosis: An Updated Review

“…Many of these studies have found a positive correlation between this increase in BDNF and cognitive improvement, suggesting a molecular mechanism for the clinical effect. However, some studies have not observed this relationship, so it might be still premature to draw definitive conclusions about this issue ( 54 , 55 ). While aerobic exercise related cognitive benefits have been linked to BDNF upregulation, this putative mechanism needs confirmation ( 56 ).…”