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Physical activity and cognition in the elderly: A review
Alexandre Leopold Busse1, Gislaine Gil2, José Maria Santarém3
1Assistant Physician at the Geriatric Service of the Department of Clinical Medicine of HCFMUSP, PhD in Science from FMUSP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Dementia & Neuropsychologia
|December 8, 2017
Summary
Regular physical activity benefits elderly health and functional capacity. This review examines how different exercises impact cognitive function in older adults, with or without cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical activity is crucial for elderly health, functional capacity, and disease prevention.
- Growing interest in physical activity's cognitive benefits for older adults, including those with cognitive impairment or dementia.
- Most research focuses on aerobic exercise, with limited data on resistance training's effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of various physical activity types on cognitive function in elderly individuals.
- To compare the impact of different exercise modalities on cognitive performance in aging populations.
- To synthesize evidence on exercise and cognition in both healthy older adults and those with cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of epidemiological studies and clinical trials.
- Analysis of research evaluating aerobic exercise interventions.
- Inclusion of studies assessing resistance exercise programs and their cognitive outcomes.
Main Results:
- Aerobic exercises show benefits for cognitive function in the elderly.
- Resistance training also demonstrates positive effects on cognition, though less studied.
- Physical activity can help preserve or improve cognitive performance across different elderly groups.
Conclusions:
- Both aerobic and resistance exercises are beneficial for cognitive health in older adults.
- Physical activity is a viable strategy for maintaining cognitive function and preventing decline in aging.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of diverse exercise types on elderly cognition.
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