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Brain function effects of exercise interventions for cognitive decline: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Diana Karamacoska1,2, Ali Butt1, Isabella H K Leung1,3
1NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|June 1, 2023
Summary
Regular exercise significantly improves global cognition and executive function in individuals with cognitive decline. These benefits are linked to neuronal adaptations, highlighting exercise
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Aging
- Exercise Physiology and Brain Health
Background:
- Exercise is a known factor for mitigating cognitive decline and dementia risk.
- Systematic synthesis of neuronal effects of exercise in adults with cognitive decline is lacking.
Approach:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise interventions (aerobic, resistance, mind-body) lasting ≥ 4 weeks.
- Included studies assessed cognition and brain function using neuroimaging and neurophysiological measures in individuals with subjective or objective cognitive decline.
- Analyzed 12 RCTs involving 646 adults with cognitive frailty, mild, or vascular cognitive impairment.
Key Points:
- Exercise interventions significantly improved global cognition (g = -0.417) and executive function (g = -0.391).
- No significant improvements were observed in processing speed or general short-term memory.
- Neuroimaging (fMRI, ERP) revealed significant neuronal adaptations linked to cognitive enhancements.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive benefits of exercise are likely mediated by increased metabolic activity, cerebrovascular mechanisms, and neuroplasticity.
- High-quality trials integrating cognitive and brain function measures are crucial for understanding exercise's role in dementia risk populations.
- Exercise demonstrates promise for enhancing brain health in individuals at risk of cognitive decline.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseasecognitiondementiaexercisemild cognitive impairmentphysical activitysubjective cognitive declineMore Related Videos
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