Document Type
Journal Article
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Medical Sciences
RAS ID
15264
Abstract
Western countries are experiencing aging populations and increased longevity; thus, the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in these countries is projected to soar. In the absence of a therapeutic drug, non-pharmacological preventative approaches are being investigated. One of these approaches is regular participation in physical activity or exercise. This paper reviews studies that have explored the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function, cognitive decline, AD/dementia risk and AD-associated biomarkers and processes. There is now strong evidence that links regular physical activity or exercise to higher cognitive function, decreased cognitive decline and reduced risk of AD or dementia. Nevertheless, these associations require further investigation, more specifically with interventional studies that include long follow-up periods. In particular, relatively little is known about the underlying mechanism(s) of the associations between physical activity and AD neuropathology; clearly this is an area in need of further research, particularly in human populations. Although benefits of physical activity or exercise are clearly recognised, there is a need to clarify how much physical activity provides the greatest benefit and also whether people of different genotypes require tailored exercise regimes.Molecular Psychiatry advance online publication, 20 November 2012; doi:10.1038/mp.2012.162.
DOI
10.1038/mp.2012.162
Access Rights
free_to_read
Comments
This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of: Brown, B. M., Peiffer, J., & Martins, R. N. (2012). Multiple effects of physical activity on molecular and cognitive signs of brain aging: can exercise slow neurodegeneration and delay Alzheimer's disease?. Molecular Psychiatry, 1-11. Available