Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
04:13
Using a Real-Time Locating System to Measure Walking Activity Associated with Wandering Behaviors Among Institutionalized Older Adults
Published on: February 8, 2019
7.3K
Long-term changes in time spent walking and subsequent cognitive and structural brain changes in older adults
John R Best1, Caterina Rosano2, Howard J Aizenstein3
1Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Neurobiology of Aging
|June 27, 2017
Summary
Maintaining physical activity (PA) over time is crucial for older adults. Consistent walking helps preserve brain structure and cognitive function, offering neural protection during aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Previous research links higher physical activity (PA) in older adults to better cognition and brain health.
- The long-term impact of sustained physical activity on cognitive and structural brain changes in aging is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how maintaining physical activity (PA) over a decade affects cognitive performance and brain structure in well-functioning older adults.
- To determine if sustained PA predicts future changes in cognition and neuroimaging markers.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 141 older adults (70-79 years) over 13 years.
- Annual self-reported walking time (PA) assessed from year 1 to 10.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at years 10 and 13.
Main Results:
- Better maintenance of walking time predicted less hippocampal volume reduction and smaller increases in gray matter mean diffusivity and white matter axial diffusivity.
- Sustained PA was associated with maintained general cognitive performance.
- PA levels at specific time points (baseline, year 10) or short-term changes were less predictive than long-term maintenance.
Conclusions:
- The maintenance of physical activity over extended aging periods is a significant factor in cognitive and neural protection.
- Sustained engagement in activities like walking may buffer age-related decline in brain structure and function.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
988
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
988
01:26Aging
903
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
903
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
4.0K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
4.0K
02:20Longitudinal Research
13.5K
Sometimes we want to see how people change over time, as in studies of human development and lifespan. When we test the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period of time, we are conducting longitudinal research. Longitudinal research is a research design in which data-gathering is administered repeatedly over an extended period of time. For example, we may survey a group of individuals about their dietary habits at age 20, retest them a decade later at age 30, and then again...
13.5K
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
1.9K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
1.9K