Physical activity over a decade modifies age-related decline in perfusion, gray matter volume, and functional connectivity of the posterior default-mode network—A multimodal approach

Abstract

One step toward healthy brain aging may be to entertain a physically active lifestyle. Studies investigating physical activity effects on brain integrity have, however, mainly been based on single brain markers, and few used a multimodal imaging approach. In the present study, we used cohort data from the Betula study to examine the relationships between scores reflecting current and accumulated physical activity and brain health. More specifically, we first examined if physical activity scores modulated negative effects of age on seven resting state networks previously identified by Salami, Pudas, and Nyberg (2014). The results revealed that one of the most age-sensitive RSN was positively altered by physical activity, namely, the posterior default-mode network involving the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Second, within this physical activity-sensitive RSN, we further analyzed the association between physical activity and gray matter (GM) volumes, white matter integrity, and cerebral perfusion using linear regression models. Regions within the identified DMN displayed larger GM volumes and stronger perfusion in relation to both current and 10-years accumulated scores of physical activity. No associations of physical activity and white matter integrity were observed. Collectively, our findings demonstrate strengthened PCC-cortical connectivity within the DMN, larger PCC GM volume, and higher PCC perfusion as a function of physical activity. In turn, these findings may provide insights into the mechanisms of how long-term regular exercise can contribute to healthy brain aging.

Sleep quality moderates the association between physical activity frequency and feelings of energy and fatigue in adolescents

“…Connectivity within the default mode network—comprised of brain regions which demonstrated correlated activity at rest and anti-correlated activity during tasks—is disrupted in patients reporting persistent fatigue and sensitive to the acute effects of sleep deprivation [47,48]. Physiological perturbation and sensorimotor load associated with physical activity may improve resting-state connectivity [49]. Future translational research in adolescents should seek to identify relationships between physical activity, resting-state network dynamics, and sleep electroencephalography.…”

Hallmarks of Brain Aging: Adaptive and Pathological Modification by Metabolic States

“…Intermittent energy restriction improves cognitive and motor performance, and can protect neurons against dysfunction and degeneration in animal models of epilepsy, stroke, PD, and AD (Bruce-Keller et al, 1999; Duan and Mattson, 1999; Yu and Mattson, 1999; Halagappa et al, 2007; Alirezaei et al, 2010; Fann et al, 2014; Parikh et al, 2016; Prehn et al, 2017). Regular aerobic exercise, which is necessary for the survival of many animals, can also enhance brain health throughout the life course; exercise reduces anxiety and improves cognition in laboratory animals and human subjects (Intlekofer and Cotman, 2013; Boraxbekk et al, 2016; Castellano et al, 2017; Chirles et al, 2017; Raichlen and Alexander, 2017). While fasting and vigorous exercise are different challenges to the body and brain, emerging findings are revealing that they each elicit similar adaptive cellular responses that can enhance neuroplasticity and stress resistance.…”

Long Term Effect of Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Cerebral Blood Flow

“…Observational and limited clinical trial data link greater levels of physical activity to greater CBF, although this association may wane with age. 22,23 Although obesity is associated with lower CBF in individuals with diabetes mellitus, 24 there is little evidence linking weight loss through behavioral intervention to changes in CBF. Ours is the first report that, overall, a long-term lifestyle intervention is associated with greater CBF.…”