Exercise, ageing and cognitive function - Effects of a personalized physical exercise program in the cognitive function of older adults

The assessment of executive function abilities in healthy and neurodegenerative aging-A selective literature review

Numerous studies have examined executive function (EF) abilities in cognitively healthy older adults and those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, there are no standard accepted protocols for testing specific EFs; thus, researchers have used their preferred tool, which leads to variability in assessments of decline in a particular ability across studies. Therefore, there is a need for guidance as to the most sensitive tests for assessing EF decline. A search of the most current literature published between 2000 and 2022 on EF studies assessing cognitively healthy older adults and individuals living with MCI and AD was conducted using PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Emphasis was placed on the EF's dual-tasking, inhibition, shifting or switching, and working memory updating. Many tasks and their outcomes were reviewed. Of particular importance was the difference in outcomes for tasks applied to the same group of participants. These various EF assessment tools demonstrate differences in effectively identifying decline in EF ability due to the aging process and neurodegenerative conditions, such as MCI and AD. This review identifies various factors to consider in using particular EF tasks in particular populations, including task demand and stimuli factors, and also when comparing differing results across studies.

Ageing in the brain: mechanisms and rejuvenating strategies

Ageing is characterized by the progressive loss of cellular homeostasis, leading to an overall decline of the organism's fitness. In the brain, ageing is highly associated with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. With the rise in life expectancy, characterizing the brain ageing process becomes fundamental for developing therapeutic interventions against the increased incidence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases and to aim for an increase in human life span and, more importantly, health span. In this review, we start by introducing the molecular/cellular hallmarks associated with brain ageing and their impact on brain cell populations. Subsequently, we assess emerging evidence on how systemic ageing translates into brain ageing. Finally, we revisit the mainstream and the novel rejuvenating strategies, discussing the most successful ones in delaying brain ageing and related diseases.

Calanus Oil Supplementation Does Not Further Improve Short-Term Memory or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Women Who Underwent Exercise Training

Purpose

In our study, we examined changes in short-term episodic memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in women after an exercise program alone or in combination with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-five healthy elderly women (65–80 years) were randomly split into two groups: in the first group were women attending an exercise program while taking wax esters-rich oil (Calanus) supplementation (n = 28) and in the other group were women undergoing the same exercise program while taking placebo (n = 27). The 16-week exercise program consisted of functional circuit training (twice a week) and Nordic walking lessons (once a week). Short-term episodic memory was evaluated by the Czech screening Test “Pojmenování OBrázků A jejich Vybavení” (POBAV) baseline and after the program lasting 16 weeks.

Results

Our results show that short-term memory significantly improved following the exercise program, but there was no added value in using n-3 PUFA supplements. BDNF values did not differ between baseline and follow-up in either group. However, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between relative change (%) in the POBAV test and VO₂peak in the placebo group (r = 0.49).

Conclusion

Despite the added value of n-3 PUFA supplementation not being proven, our results may strengthen the importance of physical activity in averting age-related memory decline and dementia.

Study protocol for 'the effects of multimodal training of cognitive and/or physical functions on cognition and physical fitness of older adults: a cluster randomized controlled trial'

Background

The elderly population worldwide is increasing exponentially which will be associated with more people suffering from cognition and fitness declines. The well-established benefits of exercise training for the elderly’s cognitive and physical functioning have been observed. However, the amalgamated effect of combining cognitive and physical exercises on the older adults’ cognitive functions, physical fitness, or psycho-related health remains unclear. Thus, this study protocol was planned to conduct different combinations of cognitive and/or physical training interventions to community-dwelling older adults and expected to see the multifaceted effects of the varied combination of training on their health.

Methods

This study is a cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT). A total of 285 older adults (age ≥ 60) from twenty elderly centres as clusters will be randomly selected and assigned to intervention groups (IGs, n = 16) or control groups (CGs, n = 4). Each IG will be randomly assigned to one of the four combinations of three training modes that include cognitive (A), physical (B), and combined cognitive and physical training (CCPT, i.e. C), namely Mixed ABC, A + B, C + A, B + C. The intervention will last for 4 months in which the training is conducted for 16 sessions, 2 sessions per week, and 60 min per session. Four repeated assessments (pre-test, two post-training tests after 2 months and 4 months, and a follow-up test) will be conducted. The CG will only receive the four repeated assessments but no intervention. The outcome measures include cognitive tests (tests of execution, memory, and psych-social status), physical fitness, and dynamic balance tests.

Discussion

This study will provide substantial evidence that the integrated format of cognitive and physical exercises training will have higher cognition and fitness impact than the single training modes, and all these mixed modalities will have greater positive outcomes than the control condition. If the effectiveness is proven, the intervention can be further explored and extended to the nation so that many more elderly would be benefited.

Trial registration

The trial has been registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov in U.S. NIH (ID: NCT04727450, date: January 27, 2021).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03031-5.

Characterising activity and diet compositions for dementia prevention: protocol for the ACTIVate prospective longitudinal cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 40% of late-life dementia may be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors, including physical activity and diet. Yet, it is currently unknown how multiple lifestyle factors interact to influence cognition. The ACTIVate Study aims to (1) explore associations between 24-hour time-use and diet compositions with changes in cognition and brain function; and (2) identify duration of time-use behaviours and the dietary compositions to optimise cognition and brain function.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This 3-year prospective longitudinal cohort study will recruit 448 adults aged 60-70 years across Adelaide and Newcastle, Australia. Time-use data will be collected through wrist-worn activity monitors and the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults. Dietary intake will be assessed using the Australian Eating Survey food frequency questionnaire. The primary outcome will be cognitive function, assessed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III. Secondary outcomes include structural and functional brain measures using MRI, cerebral arterial pulse measured with diffuse optical tomography, neuroplasticity using simultaneous transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography, and electrophysiological markers of cognitive control using event-related potential and time frequency analyses. Compositional data analysis, testing for interactions between time point and compositions, will assess longitudinal associations between dependent (cognition, brain function) and independent (time-use and diet compositions) variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACTIVate Study will be the first to examine associations between time-use and diet compositions, cognition and brain function. Our findings will inform new avenues for multidomain interventions that may more effectively account for the co-dependence between activity and diet behaviours for dementia prevention.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been obtained from the University of South Australia's Human Research Ethics committee (202639). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, targeted media releases and community engagement events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001659190).

Exercise as a Peripheral Circadian Clock Resynchronizer in Vascular and Skeletal Muscle Aging

Aging is characterized by several progressive physiological changes, including changes in the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms influence behavior, physiology, and metabolic processes in order to maintain homeostasis; they also influence the function of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells in the vessel wall. A clock misalignment could favor vascular damage and indirectly also affect skeletal muscle function. In this review, we focus on the dysregulation of circadian rhythm due to aging and its relationship with skeletal muscle changes and vascular health as possible risk factors for the development of sarcopenia, as well as the role of physical exercise as a potential modulator of these processes.

Effect of visual condition and physical activity on the plantar pressure distribution in adult and older women

Abstract The aging process causes changes in the physical and functional conditions, as well as in the foot structure and function. This study aimed to analyze the plantar pressure variation with respect to visual information and physical activity in adult and older women. This was a cross-sectional study that included 142 women (mean age of 67.8 years). Participants responded the anamnesis questionnaire, Mini Mental State Examination, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Plantar pressure was assessed using computerized baropodometry. Weight distribution was observed in semitandem positions for the right foot forward and then the left foot forward . Data analysis showed that foot type had no correlation with age (p = 0.37 right foot; p = 0.93 left foot) or level of physical activity (p = 0.28 right foot; p = 0.96 left foot). Moreover, plantar pressure variation showed no significant relationship with age (R2 = 0.2; p = 0.6). In conclusion, plantar pressure variation is not associated with the morphological foot type in women analyzed, as the visual condition did not generate plantar pressure variations when compared to its effect on the classification of plantar arches. Furthermore, level of physical activity was not associated with plantar pressure variation .

Cognitive Functioning, Life Satisfaction, and Their Relationship with the Financial Attitudes of Older Individuals Who Participate in an Active Aging Program

Life expectancy has increased in many countries throughout the world over recent years, leading to new challenges related to aging. A large part of the population is over 60 years old, and therefore studies that focus on financial autonomy and active aging are necessary. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between cognitive functioning and life satisfaction in relation to financial attitudes in a sample of 251 elderly adults (71% women) participating in an active aging program (M = 67.5, SD = 4.5). We used the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and a questionnaire about financial attitudes to gather data. Our results show that cognitive functioning and life satisfaction are related to certain financial attitudes. We also observed differences associated with gender, education level, and financial independence. According to our findings, life satisfaction should be taken into account when the financial attitudes of older adults are evaluated. The importance of support groups for the elderly is highlighted as well as of all those recreation and health programs, since they constitute a means of promoting well-being.

Effects of A Personalized Intervention Program on the Biochemical and Hematological Profile in Community Dwelling Old Adults-The AGA@4life Intervention Model

Aging is a social and economic challenge of the highest importance and a multidisciplinary intervention seems to be a promising approach for improving the quality of life of elderly individuals. This project was designed aimed at promoting an active and healthy aging through the implementation of an intervention program based on the comprehensive geriatric assessment model (AGA@4life), focused on promoting health and wellbeing, independence and autonomy, mobility, and social inclusion. A non-randomized interventional study was designed to evaluate the effect of only a dietetic and nutritional approach (control group (CG)) and the combination of a tailored exercise program and a dietetic and nutritional approach (intervention group (IG)) in the biochemical and hematological profile of older adults in the framework of AGA@4life. The 34 participants enrolled, aged 65 years or over, were subject to a thorough baseline (T0) multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation, including the gathering of clinical information and a battery of biochemical and hematological determinations, and reevaluated after eight weeks of intervention (T1). Between T0 and T1, an increase in albumin and total proteins serum levels were observed in both groups (p < 0.01); the hematological profile in CG and IG showed an increase in red cell count and hemoglobin (p < 0.05). In IG, an increase of HDL cholesterol (p < 0.001) and a decrease of triglycerides (p = 0.001) were still observed. The AGA@4life multidisciplinary intervention improved the hematological and biochemical profile of old adults, potentially contributing to delay the development of several aging comorbidities and increase the quality of life of participants.

Changes in Cognitive Function and Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment of the Elderly in China: 2005-2014

Background: The cognitive function of the elderly has become a focus of public health research. Little is known about the changes of cognitive function and the risk factors for cognitive impairment in the Chinese elderly; thus, the purposes of this study are as follows: (1) to describe changes in cognitive function in the Chinese elderly from 2005–2014 and (2) to explore risk factors for cognitive impairment of the Chinese elderly. Design and setting: A total of 2603 participants aged 64 years and above participated in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) and were followed up from 2005 to 2014. Cognitive function and cognitive impairment were assessed using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of cognitive impairment. Results: Results revealed that the cognitive function of the Chinese elderly shows diversified changes: deterioration (55.09%), unchanged (17.21%) and improvement (27.70%). In addition, there are significant demographic differences in gender, age, education, marriage and other aspects when it comes to the changes of cognitive function in Chinese elderly. In the binary logistic regression analysis, female, increased age, lower education level, no spouse, less income, worse PWB (psychological well-being), less fresh fruit and vegetable intake, more activities of daily living (ADL) limitations, lower social engagement were significantly associated with higher odds for cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Various interventions should be implemented to maintain cognitive function in Chinese elderly.

Dynamic Office Environments Improve Brain Activity and Attentional Performance Mediated by Increased Motor Activity

Current research demonstrates beneficial effects of physical activity on brain functions and cognitive performance. To date, less is known on the effects of gross motor movements that do not fall into the category of sports-related aerobic or anaerobic exercise. In previous studies, we found beneficial effects of dynamic working environments, i.e., environments that encourage movements during cognitive task performance, on cognitive performance and corresponding brain activity. Aim of the present study was to examine the effects of working in a dynamic and a static office environment on attentional and vigilance performance, and on the corresponding electroencephalographic (EEG) brain oscillatory patterns. In a 2-week intervention study, participants worked either in a dynamic or a static office. In each intervention group, 12 subjects performed attentional and vigilance tasks. Spontaneous EEG was measured from 19 electrodes continuosly before, during, and immediately after each experimental condition at the first, and at the last intervention session. Results showed differences in EEG brain activity in the dynamic compared to the static office at the beginning as well as at the end of the intervention. EEG theta power increased in the vigilance task in anterior regions, alpha power in central and parietal regions in the dynamic compared to the static office. Further, increases in beta activity in the attention and vigilance task were shown in frontal and central regions in the dynamic office. Gamma power increased in the attention task in frontal and central regions. After 2 weeks, effects on brain activity increased in the attentional and vigilance task in the dynamic office. Increased theta and alpha oscillations were obtained in anterior areas with higher activity in the beta band in anterior and central areas in the dynamic compared to the static office. EEG oscillatory patterns indicate beneficial effects of dynamic office environments on attentional and vigilance performance that are mediated by increased motor activity. We discuss the obtained patterns of EEG oscillations in terms of the close interrelations between the attentional and the motor system.