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Li D, Jia J, Zeng H, Zhong X, Chen H, Yi C. Efficacy of exercise rehabilitation for managing patients with Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2175-2188. [PMID: 38488551 PMCID: PMC11034587 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and degenerative neurological disease characterized by the deterioration of cognitive functions. While a definitive cure and optimal medication to impede disease progression are currently unavailable, a plethora of studies have highlighted the potential advantages of exercise rehabilitation for managing this condition. Those studies show that exercise rehabilitation can enhance cognitive function and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by AD. Therefore, exercise rehabilitation has been regarded as one of the most important strategies for managing patients with AD. Herein, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the currently available findings on exercise rehabilitation in patients with AD, with a focus on the exercise types which have shown efficacy when implemented alone or combined with other treatment methods, as well as the potential mechanisms underlying these positive effects. Specifically, we explain how exercise may improve the brain microenvironment and neuronal plasticity. In conclusion, exercise is a cost-effective intervention to enhance cognitive performance and improve quality of life in patients with mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it can potentially become both a physical activity and a tailored intervention. This review may aid the development of more effective and individualized treatment strategies to address the challenges imposed by this debilitating disease, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jinning Jia
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Haibo Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Huichang County People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Ben Ayed I, Ammar A, Aouichaoui C, Mezghani N, Salem A, Naija S, Ben Amor S, Trabelsi K, Jahrami H, Trabelsi Y, El Massioui F. Does acute aerobic exercise enhance selective attention, working memory, and problem-solving abilities in Alzheimer's patients? A sex-based comparative study. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1383119. [PMID: 38903391 PMCID: PMC11187274 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1383119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of acute aerobic exercise on certain cognitive functions known to be affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a particular emphasis on sex differences. Methods A total of 53 patients, with a mean age of 70.54 ± 0.88 years and moderate AD, voluntarily participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (EG), which participated in a 20-min moderate-intensity cycling session (60% of the individual maximum target heart rate recorded at the end of the 6-min walk test); and the control group (CG), which participated in a 20-min reading activity. Cognitive abilities were assessed before and after the physical exercise or reading session using the Stroop test for selective attention, the forward and backward digit span test for working memory, and the Tower of Hanoi task for problem-solving abilities. Results At baseline, both groups had comparable cognitive performance (p > 0.05 in all tests). Regardless of sex, aerobic acute exercise improved attention in the Stroop test (p < 0.001), enhanced memory performance in both forward (p < 0.001) and backward (p < 0.001) conditions, and reduced the time required to solve the problem in the Tower of Hanoi task (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the number of movements. In contrast, the CG did not significantly improve after the reading session for any of the cognitive tasks (p > 0.05). Consequently, the EG recorded greater performance improvements than the CG in most cognitive tasks tested (p < 0.0001) after the intervention session. Discussion These findings demonstrate that, irrespective to sex, a single aerobic exercise session on an ergocycle can improve cognitive function in patients with moderate AD. The results suggest that acute aerobic exercise enhances cognitive function similarly in both female and male patients, indicating promising directions for inclusive therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Ben Ayed
- Research Laboratory, Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: from Integrated to Molecular “Biology, Medicine and Health”, LR19ES09, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human and Artificial Cognition (EA 4004), Psychology UFR, University of Vincennes/Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, France
- Research Laboratory, Education, Motricity, Sport and Health (EM2S), LR15JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Achraf Ammar
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Chirine Aouichaoui
- Research Laboratory, Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: from Integrated to Molecular “Biology, Medicine and Health”, LR19ES09, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saïd, University of Manouba, Cité Nasr, Tunisia
| | - Nourhen Mezghani
- Department of Sport Sciences, College of Education, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atef Salem
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Salma Naija
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Sahloul Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Sana Ben Amor
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Sahloul Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- Research Laboratory, Education, Motricity, Sport and Health (EM2S), LR15JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- College of Medicine and Medical Science, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Yassine Trabelsi
- Research Laboratory, Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: from Integrated to Molecular “Biology, Medicine and Health”, LR19ES09, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse University, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Farid El Massioui
- Laboratory of Human and Artificial Cognition (EA 4004), Psychology UFR, University of Vincennes/Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, France
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Luo Q, Tian Z, Hu Y, Wang C. Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Executive and Memory Functions in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. J Aging Phys Act 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38521051 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2023-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease threatens the health of older adults, particularly by disrupting executive and memory functions, and many studies have shown that aerobic exercise prevents and improves the symptoms associated with the disease. OBJECTIVE The objective was to systematically review the effects of aerobic exercise on executive and memory functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease and to determine the effect factors and mechanisms of the design of aerobic exercise intervention programs. METHOD Relevant literature was searched in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO) from January 1, 2014 to March 1, 2023, using a subject-word search method. Data on 10 items, including author and country, were extracted from the literature after screening. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and a systematic review was performed. RESULTS Twelve papers from seven countries were ultimately included, embodying 11 randomized controlled trials and one study with a repeated-measures design. The overall quality of the studies was good as 657 study participants, aged 45 years and older who had varying degrees of Alzheimer's disease and significant symptoms, were included. Aerobic exercise was found to have a significant positive impact on executive and memory functions in people with Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSION The effects of aerobic exercise on aspects of executive function were mainly characterized by improvements in inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, whereas the effects on aspects of memory function were mainly characterized by improvements in logical memory, situational memory, and short-term memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyou Luo
- College of Physical Education, Hunan University, Changsha, HUN, China
| | - Zuguo Tian
- College of Physical Education, Hunan University, Changsha, HUN, China
| | - Yuting Hu
- College of Physical Education, Hunan University, Changsha, HUN, China
| | - Chaochao Wang
- College of Physical Education, Hunan University, Changsha, HUN, China
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Saheli M, Moshrefi M, Baghalishahi M, Mohkami A, Firouzi Y, Suzuki K, Khoramipour K. Cognitive Fitness: Harnessing the Strength of Exerkines for Aging and Metabolic Challenges. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:57. [PMID: 38393277 PMCID: PMC10891799 DOI: 10.3390/sports12020057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Addressing cognitive impairment (CI) represents a significant global challenge in health and social care. Evidence suggests that aging and metabolic disorders increase the risk of CI, yet promisingly, physical exercise has been identified as a potential ameliorative factor. Specifically, there is a growing understanding that exercise-induced cognitive improvement may be mediated by molecules known as exerkines. This review delves into the potential impact of aging and metabolic disorders on CI, elucidating the mechanisms through which various exerkines may bolster cognitive function in this context. Additionally, the discussion extends to the role of exerkines in facilitating stem cell mobilization, offering a potential avenue for improving cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Saheli
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616913555, Iran; (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mandana Moshrefi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616913555, Iran;
| | - Masoumeh Baghalishahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616913555, Iran; (M.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Amirhossein Mohkami
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar 9617976487, Iran;
| | - Yaser Firouzi
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman 7616913439, Iran;
| | - Katsuhiko Suzuki
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa 359-1192, Japan
| | - Kayvan Khoramipour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran
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You D, Hasley Bin Ramli S, Ibrahim R, Hibatullah Bin Romli M, Li Z, Chu Q, Yu X. A thematic review on therapeutic toys and games for the elderly with Alzheimer's disease. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38299880 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2023.2299713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common and devastating neurological ailment that affects millions of the elderly worldwide. Therapeutic toys and games have emerged as potential non-pharmacological interventions for AD. However, despite a growing number of documents on the subject, research on the future direction of therapeutic toys and games for AD remains scarce. To address this gap, this study aims to (1) map the future trends of therapeutic toys and games for AD and (2) identify the categories and design characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a thematic review framework, a systematic literature search was conducted in two electronic databases (Scopus and WoS) using established criteria. Thematic analysis was done using ATLAS.ti 23 to identify prominent themes, patterns and trends. RESULTS A total of 180 documents were found. Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. A thematic review of these 25 articles identified 13 initial codes, which were been clustered into four themes: detection and evaluation; intervention; toy/game category; and design characteristics. The word "Cognitive" appears most frequently in documents according to word cloud. CONCLUSIONS Therapeutic toys and games are used to detect and as an intervention for AD. Most of the current studies focused on specific cognitive functions. More research is needed about play therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms. This thematic review also proposed a conceptual framework for designing toys and games tailored to the needs of the elderly with AD, offering valuable insights to future researchers focusing on this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donggui You
- Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Design and Architecture, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
- Department of Art Design & Creative Industries, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, China
| | - Saiful Hasley Bin Ramli
- Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Design and Architecture, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Rahimah Ibrahim
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Hibatullah Bin Romli
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Ziming Li
- Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Design and Architecture, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Qingqing Chu
- Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Design and Architecture, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Xinxin Yu
- Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Design and Architecture, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Chang YK, Etnier JL, Li RH, Ren FF, Ai JY, Chu CH. Acute Exercise Effect on Neurocognitive Function Among Cognitively Normal Late-Middle-Aged Adults With/Without Genetic Risk of AD: The Moderating Role of Exercise Volume and APOE Genotype. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2024; 79:glad179. [PMID: 37526237 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute exercise is a behavior that benefits cognitive function; however, its effect on populations with different risks for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the role of exercise variance and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on this effect remains unknown. This study explores the acute exercise effect on behavioral and neurocognitive function, and its potential moderation by exercise intensity and duration and APOE genetic risk. METHODS Fifty-one cognitively normal adults (~36% APOE ε4 carriers) performed the Stroop task under a rest condition and 3 exercise conditions while electroencephalographic activity was assessed. RESULTS Acute exercise improved cognitive performance assessed through both behavioral and neuroelectrical indices. These benefits were observed regardless of adjustments of intensity and duration at a predetermined exercise volume as well as being evident irrespective of APOE ɛ4 carrier status. CONCLUSIONS Acute exercise could be proposed as a lifestyle intervention to benefit neurocognitive function in populations with and without genetic risk of AD. Future exploration should further the precise exercise prescription and also the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of acute exercise for neurocognitive function. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05591313.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kai Chang
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Social Emotional Education and Development Center, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jennifer L Etnier
- Department of Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ruei-Hong Li
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fei-Fei Ren
- Department of Physical Education, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Yi Ai
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Heng Chu
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Ayed IB, Aouichaoui C, Ammar A, Naija S, Tabka O, Jahrami H, Trabelsi K, Trabelsi Y, El Massioui N, El Massioui F. Mid-Term and Long-Lasting Psycho-Cognitive Benefits of Bidomain Training Intervention in Elderly Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:284-298. [PMID: 38391486 PMCID: PMC10887966 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: This study investigated whether combining simultaneous physical and cognitive training yields superior cognitive outcomes compared with aerobic training alone in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and whether these benefits persist after four weeks of detraining. Methods: Forty-four people with MCI (11 males and 33 females) aged 65 to 75 years were randomly assigned to an 8-week, twice-weekly program of either aerobic training (AT group, n = 15), aerobic training combined with cognitive games (ACT group, n = 15), or simply reading for controls (CG group, n = 14). Selective attention (Stroop), problem-solving (Hanoi Tower), and working memory (Digit Span) tasks were used to assess cognitive performances at baseline, in the 4th (W4) and 8th weeks (W8) of training, and after 4 weeks of rest (W12). Results: Both training interventions induced beneficial effects on all tested cognitive performance at W4 (except for the number of moves in the Hanoi tower task) and W8 (all p <0.001), with the ACT group exhibiting a more pronounced positive impact than the AT group (p < 0.05). This advantage was specifically observed at W8 in tasks such as the Stroop and Tower of Hanoi (% gain ≈40% vs. ≈30% for ACT and AT, respectively) and the digit span test (% gain ≈13% vs. ≈10% for ACT and AT, respectively). These cognitive improvements in both groups, with the greater ones in ACT, persisted even after four weeks of detraining, as evidenced by the absence of a significant difference between W8 and W12 (p > 0.05). Concerning neuropsychological assessments, comparable beneficial effects were recorded following both training regimens (all p < 0.05 from pre- to post-intervention). The control group did not show any significant improvement in most of the cognitive tasks. Conclusions: The greater mid-term and long-lasting effects of combined simultaneous physical-cognitive training underscores its potential as a cost-effective intervention for the prevention and management of cognitive decline. While these results are valuable in guiding optimal physical and mental activity recommendations for adults with MCI, further neurophysiological-based studies are essential to offer robust support and deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these promising findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Ben Ayed
- Research Laboratory, Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: From Integrated to Molecular "Biology, Medicine and Health", LR19ES09, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse University, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human and Artificial Cognition (EA 4004), Psychology UFR, University of Vincennes/Saint-Denis, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
- Research Laboratory, Education, Motricity, Sport and Health (EM2S), LR15JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
| | - Chirine Aouichaoui
- Research Laboratory, Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: From Integrated to Molecular "Biology, Medicine and Health", LR19ES09, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse University, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saïd, University of Manouba, Mannouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Achraf Ammar
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UFR STAPS, UPL, Paris Nanterre University, 92000 Nanterre, France
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia
| | - Salma Naija
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Sahloul Sousse, Sousse 4052, Tunisia
| | - Oussama Tabka
- Research Laboratory, Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: From Integrated to Molecular "Biology, Medicine and Health", LR19ES09, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse University, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- College of Medicine and Medical Science, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 293, Bahrain
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- Research Laboratory, Education, Motricity, Sport and Health (EM2S), LR15JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia
| | - Yassine Trabelsi
- Research Laboratory, Exercise Physiology and Physiopathology: From Integrated to Molecular "Biology, Medicine and Health", LR19ES09, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse University, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
| | - Nicole El Massioui
- Laboratory of Human and Artificial Cognition (EA 4004), Psychology UFR, University of Vincennes/Saint-Denis, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Farid El Massioui
- Laboratory of Human and Artificial Cognition (EA 4004), Psychology UFR, University of Vincennes/Saint-Denis, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
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Ren J, Xiao H. Exercise Intervention for Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling Neurobiological Mechanisms and Assessing Effects. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2285. [PMID: 38137886 PMCID: PMC10744739 DOI: 10.3390/life13122285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and a major cause of age-related dementia, characterized by cognitive dysfunction and memory impairment. The underlying causes include the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) in the brain, abnormal phosphorylation, and aggregation of tau protein within nerve cells, as well as neuronal damage and death. Currently, there is no cure for AD with drug therapy. Non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise have been widely used to treat AD, but the specific molecular and biological mechanisms are not well understood. In this narrative review, we integrate the biology of AD and summarize the knowledge of the molecular, neural, and physiological mechanisms underlying exercise-induced improvements in AD progression. We discuss various exercise interventions used in AD and show that exercise directly or indirectly affects the brain by regulating crosstalk mechanisms between peripheral organs and the brain, including "bone-brain crosstalk", "muscle-brain crosstalk", and "gut-brain crosstalk". We also summarize the potential role of artificial intelligence and neuroimaging technologies in exercise interventions for AD. We emphasize that moderate-intensity, regular, long-term exercise may improve the progression of Alzheimer's disease through various molecular and biological pathways, with multimodal exercise providing greater benefits. Through in-depth exploration of the molecular and biological mechanisms and effects of exercise interventions in improving AD progression, this review aims to contribute to the existing knowledge base and provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for managing AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchang Ren
- Institute of Sport and Health, Guangdong Provincial Kay Laboratory of Development and Education for Special Needs Child, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524037, China
- Institute of Sport and Health, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Haili Xiao
- Institute of Sport and Health, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524037, China;
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Pahlavani HA. Exercise therapy to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1243869. [PMID: 37600508 PMCID: PMC10436316 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1243869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease in the elderly with dementia, memory loss, and severe cognitive impairment that imposes high medical costs on individuals. The causes of AD include increased deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau, age, mitochondrial defects, increased neuroinflammation, decreased synaptic connections, and decreased nerve growth factors (NGF). While in animals moderate-intensity exercise restores hippocampal and amygdala memory through increased levels of p-AKT, p-TrkB, and p-PKC and decreased levels of Aβ, tau phosphorylation, and amyloid precursor proteins (APP) in AD. Aerobic exercise (with an intensity of 50-75% of VO2 max) prevents hippocampal volume reduction, spatial memory reduction, and learning reduction through increasing synaptic flexibility. Exercise training induces the binding of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to TrkB and the binding of NGF to TrkA to induce cell survival and neuronal plasticity. After aerobic training and high-intensity interval training, the increase of VEGF, angiopoietin 1 and 2, NO, tPA, and HCAR1 in cerebral vessels causes increased blood flow and angiogenesis in the cerebellum, motor cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. In the hippocampus, exercise training decreases mitochondrial fragmentation, DRP1, and FIS1, improving OPA1, MFN1, MFN2, and mitochondrial morphology. In humans, acute exercise as an anti-inflammatory condition causes an acute increase in IL-6 and an increase in anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-1RA and IL-10. Moderate-intensity exercise also inhibits inflammatory markers such as IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, sTNFR1, COX-2, and NF-κB. Aerobic exercise significantly increases plasma levels of BDNF, nerve growth factor, synaptic plasticity, motor activity, spatial memory, and exploratory behavior in AD subjects. Irisin is a myokine released from skeletal muscle during exercise and protects the hippocampus by suppressing Aβ accumulation and promoting hippocampal proliferation through STAT3 signaling. Therefore, combined exercise training such as aerobic training, strength training, balance and coordination training, and cognitive and social activities seems to provide important benefits for people with AD.
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Effects of exercise intensity and duration at a predetermined exercise volume on executive function among Apolipoprotein E (APOE)-ɛ4 carriers. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03257-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Executive Function Improvement for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Study between Virtual Training and Physical Exercise Methods. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9040507. [PMID: 35455551 PMCID: PMC9029765 DOI: 10.3390/children9040507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated and compared the effects of virtual training and physical exercise on the executive function of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After screening, the final analysis of this study was conducted on three groups: a virtual training group (n = 34), a physical exercise group (n = 33), and a control group (n = 33). The experiment was conducted for nine weeks, of which the virtual training group and physical exercise group were conducted three times a week for one hour each time during the first six weeks, while the control group did not conduct virtual training nor physical exercise. During the last three weeks (week 6 to week 9), virtual training and physical exercise were not performed on all three groups. The three main components of executive function (working memory, inhibition, flexibility) of children with ASD were measured before the intervention, after the intervention (week 1 to week 6) and in the last three weeks (week 6 to week 9). The final results are that firstly, the executive function of the virtual training and physical exercise groups were simultaneously improved after the intervention. Secondly, after the intervention stopped, the executive function of the virtual training and physical exercise groups showed a downward trend. Therefore, the study concludes that the application of virtual training and physical exercise can effectively enhance the executive function of children with ASD.
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