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Exercise-Related Changes of Networks in Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment Brain
Pei Huang1, Rong Fang2, Bin-Yin Li1
1Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Aging and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are accompanied by decline of cognitive functions. Meanwhile, the most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by loss of memory and other intellectual abilities serious to make difficulties for patients in their daily life. MCI is a transition period between normal aging and dementia, which has been used for early detection of emerging dementia. It converts to dementia with an annual rate of 5-15% as compared to normal aging with 1% rate. Small decreases in the conversion rate of MCI to AD might significantly reduce the prevalence of dementia. Thus, it is important to intervene at the preclinical stage. Since there are still no effective drugs to treat AD, non-drug intervention is crucial for the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline in aging and MCI populations. Previous studies have found some cognitive brain networks disrupted in aging and MCI population, and physical exercise (PE) could effectively remediate the function of these brain networks. Understanding the exercise-related mechanisms is crucial to design efficient and effective PE programs for treatment/intervention of cognitive decline. In this review, we provide an overview of the neuroimaging studies on physical training in normal aging and MCI to identify the potential mechanisms underlying current physical training procedures. Studies of functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography and positron emission tomography on brain networks were all included. Based on our review, the default mode network, fronto-parietal network and fronto-executive network are probably the three most valuable targets for efficiency evaluation of interventions.
Insights
Physical exercise can help improve cognitive functions in aging and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) populations. This review examines neuroimaging studies to understand how exercise impacts brain networks, targeting the default mode, fronto-parietal, and fronto-executive networks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Aging and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- MCI represents a critical transitional stage for early dementia detection, with a higher conversion rate to AD than normal aging.
- Effective non-drug interventions are vital for managing cognitive decline, given the lack of curative drugs for AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuroimaging studies on physical exercise interventions in normal aging and MCI populations.
- To identify potential mechanisms through which physical exercise influences cognitive brain networks.
- To highlight key brain networks for evaluating the efficacy of physical training programs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of neuroimaging studies including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and positron emission tomography (PET).
- Analysis focused on studies investigating the effects of physical training on cognitive brain networks in aging and MCI.
- Inclusion of studies examining default mode network, fronto-parietal network, and fronto-executive network.
Main Results:
- Physical exercise has demonstrated potential in remediating disrupted cognitive brain networks observed in aging and MCI.
- Neuroimaging techniques provide valuable insights into the brain mechanisms underlying the cognitive benefits of physical activity.
- Specific networks, including the default mode, fronto-parietal, and fronto-executive networks, emerge as key targets for intervention efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Physical exercise is a promising non-pharmacological approach for mitigating cognitive decline in aging and MCI.
- Understanding exercise-induced changes in specific brain networks is crucial for optimizing physical training interventions.
- Targeting the default mode, fronto-parietal, and fronto-executive networks may enhance the effectiveness of exercise programs for cognitive health.
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