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The influence of a 16-week exercise program, APOE status, and age on executive function task performance: A
R Martin-Willett1, B Morris1, R Wilcox2
1The University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America.
Experimental Gerontology
|June 1, 2021
Summary
Exercise improves cognitive function in older adults, but Apoliprotein E (APOE) ε4 carrier status and exercise intensity may influence outcomes. Moderate-intensity exercise showed mixed results for APOE ε4 carriers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Previous studies indicate exercise benefits cognition in older adults.
- The moderating role of Apoliprotein E (APOE) ε4 carrier status and exercise intensity on cognitive outcomes is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of APOE ε4 carrier status and exercise intensity on cognitive performance in older adults.
- To compare cognitive function between younger and older inactive adults.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional comparison of younger (n=44) and older (n=142) inactive adults on cognitive tasks and APOE ε4 status.
- A 16-week randomized controlled trial with older adults in low-intensity continuous training (LICT) or moderate-intensity continuous training plus interval training (MICT+IT) groups.
- Measurements included APOE ε4 status, VO2peak, and executive functions (Stroop, Category Switch, Keep Track).
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited significant executive function impairments compared to younger adults, not moderated by APOE ε4 status.
- Both LICT and MICT+IT groups showed improvements in Stroop effect on error and Category Switch reaction time, with no significant difference between exercise intensities.
- APOE ε4 carriers in the MICT+IT group did not improve Stroop effect on error, unlike other groups.
Conclusions:
- Exercise interventions can improve specific executive functions in older adults.
- Exercise intensity and APOE ε4 carrier status may interact to influence cognitive benefits, warranting further investigation into underlying mechanisms.
