Healthy brain, healthy life: a review of diet and exercise interventions to promote brain health and reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk

Abstract

With the world’s population aging at a rapid rate, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has significantly increased. These statistics are alarming given recent evidence that a third of dementia cases may be preventable. The role of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can directly alter the risk of disease development. However, an understanding of the effectiveness of dietary patterns and exercise strategies to reduce AD risk or improve brain function is not fully understood. The aim of this review is to discuss the effects of diet and exercise on AD risk. Key components of the Western and Mediterranean diets are discussed in relation to AD progression, as well as how physical activity promotes brain health. Components of the Western diet (saturated fatty acids and simple carbohydrates) are detrimental to the brain, impair cognition and increase AD pathologies. While components of the Mediterranean diet, (polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants) are considered to be neuroprotective. Exercise can significantly reduce the risk of AD, however specific exercise recommendations for older adults are limited and optimal intensity, duration, and type remains unknown. This review highlights important modifiable risk factors for AD and points out potential avenues for future research.
 Novelty Bullets
 •Diet and exercise are modifiable factors that can improve brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease 
 •Polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants are considered to be neuroprotective 
 •Exercise reduces neuroinflammation, improves brain insulin sensitivity, and increases BDNF

Impact of Obesity-Induced Inflammation on Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)

“…It has anti-inflammatory effects in the periphery by reducing markers of inflammation induced by obesity [ 103 ]. Specifically, several studies have demonstrated that aerobic and-or resistance training is effective at decreasing circulating inflammatory markers, such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, increasing circulating anti-inflammatory markers, such as IL-10 and IL-4 in humans [ 104 ]. At the same time, it is well established that exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in healthy individuals as well as obese and diabetic subjects [ 105 ]; it represents an important instrument to prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.…”

Milk Fatty Acid Profiles in Different Animal Species: Focus on the Potential Effect of Selected PUFAs on Metabolism and Brain Functions

“…Thus, diet and its bioactive components are among the modifiable risk factors possibly influencing the development of neuro-pathologies. In particular, SFAs and simple carbohydrates seem detrimental for the brain, while PUFAs, polyphenols, and antioxidants appear to be neuroprotective [154][155][156].…”

Lifestyle-dependent microglial plasticity: training the brain guardians

“…Healthy diet, especially being applied in combination with other modifiable lifestyle factors discussed above, emerges as a promising strategy for preventing cognitive decline and promoting brain health [93,94]. The adoption of a friendly diet or caloric restriction is positively associated with cognitive performance throughout lifespan, leading to cognitive improvements during infancy, adolescence and adulthood [95][96][97] and preserving cognitive functions in elderly [98].…”