Impact of lifestyle dimensions on brain pathology and cognition

Abstract

Single lifestyle factors affect brain biomarkers and cognition. Here we addressed the covariance of various lifestyle elements and investigated their impact on positron emission tomography (PET)-based β-amyloid (Aβ), hippocampal volume and cognitive function in aged controls. Lower Aβ burden was associated with a lifestyle comprising high cognitive engagement and low vascular risk, particularly in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 carriers. While cognitive function was related to high lifetime cognitive engagement and low vascular risk, Aβ load had no relation to current cognitive function. The covariance between high adult socioeconomic status, high education and low smoking prevalence predicted better cognitive function, and this was mediated by larger hippocampal volume. Our data show that lifestyle is a complex construct composed of associated variables, some of which reflect factors operating over the lifespan and others which may be developmental. These factors affect brain health via different pathways, which may reinforce one another. Our findings moreover support the importance of an intellectually enriched lifestyle accompanied by vascular health on both cognition and presumed cerebral mediators of cognitive function.

MR elastography detection of early viscoelastic response of the murine hippocampus to amyloid β accumulation and neuronal cell loss due to Alzheimer's disease

“…At present, AD can only be diagnosed by a combination of multiple modalities, including MRI, [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET), cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, clinical memory tests, and Amyloid‐PET . After diagnosis, medication to increase levels of glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmitters, regular physical exercise, as well as the involvement in daily life problem‐solving are known to decelerate disease progression . In animal studies, this physical and cognitive stimulation is induced by large environmentally enriched cages (ENR) with changing interior arrangements and larger animal groups.…”

“…25,26 After diagnosis, medication to increase levels of glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmitters, 27 regular physical exercise, as well as the involvement in daily life problem-solving are known to decelerate disease progression. 27,28 In animal studies, this physical and cognitive stimulation is induced by large environmentally enriched cages (ENR) with changing interior arrangements and larger animal groups. This enforces constant adaptation to new surroundings and consequently improves cognition and social interaction.…”

Health benefits induced by adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle components diet and physical activity

“…In relation to Mediterranean lifestyle components beneficial to cognitive health, next to adherence to the diet, Yannakoulia et al (2015) particularly mention the participation in leisure activities, social interaction, physical activity and the quality of sleep. Each of these factors have been individually demonstrated to effectively maintain better cognitive performance, promote healthy cognitive ageing, reduce depressive symptoms, and delay neurodegeneration (e.g., Polidori, Nelles & Pientka, 2010;Schreiber et al, 2016;Clare et al, 2017;Kivipelto, Mangialasche & Ngandu, 2018;Zhao et al, 2018).…”

An Active Lifestyle Reinforces the Effect of a Healthy Diet on Cognitive Function: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study

“…Worldwide, 46.8 million people were diagnosed with dementia in 2015 [ 1 ]. As up to half of dementia cases may be attributable to modifiable lifestyle-related factors [ 1 ], many researchers have attempted to address the effects of lifestyle factors on the risk of developing dementia [ 2 ]. Indeed, physical, mental, and social activities have been associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia [ 3 , 4 ], in spite of some inconsistencies in previous findings [ 5 ].…”

“…It is speculated that individuals with healthier eating habits are, in general, more health-conscious, and tend also to have an active lifestyle. Epidemiological studies suggest that life-time exposures, such as healthy lifestyle factors may increase the cognitive reserve or resilience [ 2 , 12 ]. The interplay between multiple lifestyle factors may have a different effect on underlying neurodegenerative processes in the brain [ 13 ].…”