The Effect of a Multicomponent Dual-Task Exercise on Cortical Thickness in Older Adults with Cognitive Decline: A...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Cognitive decline in older adults is associated with age-related cortical thinning.
• Multicomponent interventions combining physical and cognitive training show promise for brain health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cortical thickness changes in older adults with cognitive decline following a multicomponent exercise intervention.
• To assess the association between cortical thickness changes and cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of neuroimaging data from a 10-month randomized controlled trial.
• 280 older adults with cognitive decline were assigned to either a multicomponent exercise group or a health education control group.
• Cortical thickness was measured using FreeSurfer; cognitive performance was assessed using the NCGG-FAT and Trail Making Test (TMT) A & B.

Main Results:

• The multicomponent exercise group showed significant increases in middle temporal and temporal pole cortical thickness compared to the control group.
• Changes in cortical thickness were significantly correlated with improvements in TMT-A, TMT-B, and story memory performance.
• The intervention demonstrated a protective effect against age-related cortical thinning.

Conclusions:

• Multicomponent exercise programs integrating physical activity and cognitive training are beneficial for brain health in older adults with cognitive decline.
• These interventions may help preserve cortical thickness and mitigate cognitive decline associated with aging.