Exercise and dementia prevention

Abstract

Ageing, genetic, medical and lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Around a third of dementia cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity, smoking and hypertension. With the rising prevalence and lack of neuroprotective drugs, there is renewed focus on dementia prevention strategies across the lifespan. Neurologists encounter many people with risk factors for dementia and are frequently asked whether lifestyle changes may help. Exercise has emerged as a key intervention for influencing cognition positively, including reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. This article focuses on the current evidence for physical inactivity as a modifiable dementia risk factor and aims to support neurologists when discussing risk reduction.

Cognitive Benefits of Exercise Interventions: An fMRI Activation Likelihood Estimation Meta-Analysis

“…Moreover, the precuneus is a brain region which is commonly affected in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and early stages of Alzheimer’s disease 74 . In light of this observation, our findings suggest that regular physical exercise can be a valuable approach to prevent cognitive decline 15,16,75 by enhancing the functional integration of the frontoparietal control network via effects on the precuneus.…”

The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Modulates Resilience of Neurological Functioning to Brain Ageing and Dementia: A Narrative Review

“…Consequently, there is substantial interest in whether increasing physical activity and exercise may constitute an intervention to reduce risk or progression of dementia. Meta-analyses of observational data support a role for exercise in improving cognitive performance, although the results of relevant prospective trials are mixed [87].…”

Aquatic Therapy in Contemporary Neurorehabilitation: An Update

“…58,59 Even in the case of dementia, exercise science has established a body of both human and animal research demonstrating a strong role for aerobic activity. [60][61][62][63][64][65] The relationship between exercise in cognitive loss prevention remains less clear, but it is reasonable to presume that exercise promotion is at the very least prudent in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. 65,66 In recent years, aquatic exercise has been promoted as a useful exercise option in both MCI and dementia.…”

“…[60][61][62][63][64][65] The relationship between exercise in cognitive loss prevention remains less clear, but it is reasonable to presume that exercise promotion is at the very least prudent in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. 65,66 In recent years, aquatic exercise has been promoted as a useful exercise option in both MCI and dementia. 67 A 2015 study assessed a group of 27 older adults (average age 63.2±7.34) for cognitive and cardiovascular fitness following 6 consecutive days of moderate-to-high intensity aquatic exercise at 60%-70% maximum heart rate, compared to a control group of 33 age-, fitness-, and gender-matched adults doing their daily routine.…”

“…The role of exercise in the preservation and improvement of cognitive function is becoming well‐established science however 58,59 . Even in the case of dementia, exercise science has established a body of both human and animal research demonstrating a strong role for aerobic activity 60‐65 . The relationship between exercise in cognitive loss prevention remains less clear, but it is reasonable to presume that exercise promotion is at the very least prudent in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia 65,66 .…”