Lifestyle modifications with anti-neuroinflammatory benefits in the aging population
Stephanie M Muscat1, Ruth M Barrientos2
1Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract:
Aging-associated microglial priming results in the potential for an exaggerated neuroinflammatory response to a subsequent inflammatory challenge in regions of the brain known to support learning and memory. This excessive neuroinflammation in the aging brain is known to occur following a variety of peripheral insults, including infection and surgery, where it has been associated with precipitous declines in cognition and memory. As the average lifespan increases worldwide, identifying interventions to prevent and treat aging-associated excessive neuroinflammation and ensuing cognitive impairments is of critical importance. Lifestyle has emerged as a potential non-pharmacological target in this endeavor. Here, we review important and recent preclinical and clinical literature demonstrating the anti-inflammatory effects of lifestyle modifications such as exercise, diet, and environmental enrichment in the context of aging and memory. Importantly, we focus on research indicating that these lifestyle modifications do not need to be lifelong, suggesting that such interventions may be efficacious in the prevention and treatment of aging- and neuroinflammation-associated cognitive impairment, even when initiated in older age.
Insights
Lifestyle interventions like exercise and diet can combat age-related brain inflammation and memory loss. These changes may be effective even when started later in life, offering hope for cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Immunology
Background:
- Aging primes microglia, leading to exaggerated neuroinflammation in brain regions vital for learning and memory.
- This neuroinflammation, triggered by insults like infection or surgery, accelerates cognitive and memory decline in older adults.
- Rising global lifespans necessitate effective strategies to manage age-related neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review preclinical and clinical evidence on lifestyle modifications as interventions for aging-associated neuroinflammation and memory impairment.
- To highlight the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise, diet, and environmental enrichment in the aging brain.
- To assess the efficacy of these lifestyle interventions, even when initiated in older age.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of recent preclinical and clinical literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating the impact of exercise, diet, and environmental enrichment on neuroinflammation and cognitive function in aging.
- Focus on research examining the timing and duration of lifestyle interventions.
Main Results:
- Lifestyle modifications, including exercise, diet, and environmental enrichment, demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects in the aging brain.
- These interventions are associated with improved cognitive and memory function in preclinical and clinical studies.
- Evidence suggests that lifelong adherence is not required; interventions can be effective even when initiated in older age.
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle modifications represent a promising non-pharmacological approach to mitigate aging-associated neuroinflammation and cognitive decline.
- Interventions such as exercise and diet can be beneficial for brain health and memory preservation, regardless of when they are started.
- These findings have critical implications for public health strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging and preventing dementia.
More Related Videos
10:19Getting to Compliance in Forced Exercise in Rodents: A Critical Standard to Evaluate Exercise Impact in Aging-related Disorders and Disease
Published on: August 22, 2014
08:17A Mouse Model of Orthopedic Surgery to Study Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and Tissue Regeneration
Published on: February 27, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:27Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
01:26Aging
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...
01:28Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
01:23Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management