Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Review

This study in the BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine explored how short bursts of walking exercises impact brain function in healthy older adults. Researchers recruited 25 individuals with an average age of 69 and randomly assigned them walking activities like golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking. Each participant completed all exercises over five days. The study found that regardless of the type of walking exercise, all participants experienced improved cognitive function as measured by a standardized test. Notably, Nordic walking and regular walking showed an additional benefit of enhanced executive function, which involves planning and decision-making. Interestingly, no changes were observed in specific biological markers linked to brain health. Overall, the research suggests that even brief periods of walking can positively influence cognitive function in older adults. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of regular exercise and investigate the underlying mechanisms behind this improvement.

Key Findings:

• Improved Cognitive Performance: Engaging in any of the walking exercises (golf, Nordic walking, or regular walking) led to a measurable improvement in cognitive function as assessed by the Trail-Making Test (TMT). This suggests that even short bouts of light physical activity can positively impact cognitive abilities in older adults.

• Enhanced Executive Function: Nordic walking and regular walking specifically showed a greater improvement in executive function, which involves planning, decision-making, and mental flexibility. This indicates that these activities might offer additional benefits for cognitive processes.

• No Change in Biomarkers: Interestingly, the study did not observe any significant changes in the levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and CTSB (cathepsin B) following the exercise sessions. These markers are often linked to neuroplasticity and brain health, and their response to short-term exercise was not evident in this study.

Methodology:

• The study involved 25 healthy older adults (average age: 69 years) who participated in a randomized crossover design. This means each participant completed all three walking exercises (golf course, Nordic walking, and regular walking) in a random order across five days.

• Cognitive function was assessed using the Trail-Making Test (TMT), which measures processing speed, attention, and mental flexibility.

• Blood samples were collected to measure BDNF and CTSB levels before and after each exercise session.

Limitations:

• The study only examined the immediate effects of a single exercise session. The long-term effects of regular exercise on cognitive function and these biomarkers require further investigation.

• The relatively small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings to the broader population of older adults.

• The study solely focused on healthy individuals, and the results might not translate to those with pre-existing cognitive decline or other health conditions.

Overall Significance:

This research highlights the potential of age-appropriate walking exercises to positively impact cognitive function in healthy older adults, even with a single session. While the study did not observe changes in specific biomarkers, the improvement in cognitive performance suggests a beneficial influence of these activities on brain function. Further research with larger sample sizes and long-term interventions is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and potential of exercise for promoting cognitive health in aging populations.

As the global population continues to age, the prevalence of age-related cognitive decline and dementia poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. The economic burden associated with these conditions is projected to escalate dramatically in the coming decades. Amidst these challenges, research has increasingly highlighted the role of exercise as a crucial factor in maintaining cognitive health and potentially mitigating cognitive decline in older adults.

Understanding the Impact of Aerobic Exercise

The Study: An Overview

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of three distinct aerobic exercises on cognitive function and associated biological responses. The study involved 25 healthy older golfers, all aged 65 and above, who engaged in three different acute bouts of aerobic exercise. These exercises included an 18-hole golf round, a 6-kilometer Nordic walking session, and a 6-kilometer regular walking session. It is noteworthy that these exercises were conducted in a real-life environment, with participants maintaining their typical pace, equivalent to brisk walking.

Assessing Cognitive Function

Cognitive function, an essential aspect of overall well-being, was evaluated using the Trail-Making Test (TMT) A and B. The TMT-A test primarily focuses on measuring lower cognitive functions such as attention and processing speed, while the TMT-B test delves into more demanding executive functions, including task-switching ability.

In addition to cognitive assessments, blood samples were collected to measure two crucial biomarkers: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cathepsin B (CTSB). These markers have been previously linked to the potential benefits of exercise on the brain. Furthermore, participants wore fitness monitoring devices that recorded various exercise-specific data, including distance covered, duration, pace, energy expenditure, and the number of steps taken. An ECG sensor equipped with a chest strap was utilized to monitor heart rate, offering insights into the physiological aspect Aerobic exercise has emerged as a promising intervention for preserving cognitive function in older adults. Studies have shown that even a single session of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can lead to acute improvements in cognitive performance. Factors such as exercise intensity, duration, and modality have been found to influence the extent of cognitive enhancement.

Previous Research Findings

Previous research has underscored the cognitive benefits of acute bouts of aerobic exercise. Meta-analyses have demonstrated that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can have a greater impact on the executive function of older adults compared to younger individuals. Moreover, tasks requiring cognitive flexibility and set-shifting have shown improvement following aerobic exercise sessions.

The Study: Exploring Age-Appropriate Aerobic Exercises

A recent study aimed to further explore the cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise in older adults by investigating three popular types of age-appropriate aerobic activities: golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking. The study sought to examine the relationship between these exercises and cognitive function, as well as the potential impact on cognitive-related biomarkers known as exerkines.

Key Findings

The study involved a randomized crossover trial with 25 healthy older adults, each of whom completed golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking sessions. The results indicated that a single session of 18 holes of golf, 6 km of Nordic walking, or 6 km of regular walking led to improvements in cognitive function in older adults, irrespective of the specific exercise modality.

Differential Effects on Cognitive Function

Notably, Nordic walking and regular walking were found to enhance more demanding executive functions, such as set-shifting and cognitive flexibility. These findings suggest that, while all three types of aerobic exercise confer cognitive benefits, certain activities may have a more pronounced impact on specific aspects of cognitive function.

Implications for Research and Practice

The study's findings have significant implications for research, practice, and policy related to aging and cognitive health. By demonstrating the cognitive benefits of age-appropriate aerobic exercises such as golf, Nordic walking, and regular walking, the study underscores the importance of integrating physical activity into strategies for maintaining cognitive function in older adults.

Potential Treatment Strategies

Moreover, the study suggests that aerobic exercise, including activities like Nordic walking and golf, holds promise as a potential treatment strategy for individuals already experiencing cognitive decline. By incorporating targeted exercise interventions into comprehensive treatment plans, healthcare professionals may be able to offer novel approaches to managing cognitive impairment in older adults.

Cathepsin B (CTSB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

Both of them are myokines that increase with aerobic exercise. CTSB is a molecular protease found in all organisms, and several studies have shown that enhanced CTSB levels can improve cognition and memory function. BDNF is a protein found in the brain and nerves that plays an important role in neuronal survival and growth and participates in neuronal plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory.

Acute Responses to BDNF

The immediate effects of exercise on BDNF levels have garnered significant attention in scientific circles. While previous studies have shown that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can lead to increases in BDNF concentrations, recent findings suggest a more nuanced relationship, particularly in older adults. Contrary to expectations, acute responses to exercise did not yield significant changes in BDNF levels immediately post-exercise. However, Nordic walking demonstrated a notable increase in BDNF values approximately 40 hours after exercise, hinting at the prolonged cognitive benefits of this activity.

Acute Responses to CTSB

Similarly, the acute responses of CTSB to exercise have been under scrutiny. Despite initial expectations of intensity-dependent increases in CTSB circulation, findings from recent studies have painted a more complex picture. While no significant changes were observed immediately post-exercise, further investigation is warranted to elucidate the relationship between exercise intensity and CTSB response. Understanding the acute responses of CTSB to exercise holds promise for unraveling its role in cognitive function and its potential implications for aging individuals.

Discussion: Implications and Insights

The findings from studies investigating acute responses to BDNF and CTSB have significant implications for our understanding of the cognitive effects of exercise in older adults. While immediate changes in biomarker levels may not always be apparent, the long-term cognitive benefits of activities such as Nordic walking underscore the importance of sustained physical activity for cognitive health. Furthermore, the differential responses observed across exercise modalities highlight the need for tailored approaches to promote cognitive function in aging populations.

Future Directions and Considerations

Moving forward, research in this field should address several key considerations. Firstly, larger-scale studies with diverse participant demographics are needed to validate and generalize the findings. Secondly, exploring the interplay between exercise intensity, duration, and cognitive outcomes will provide valuable insights into optimizing exercise prescriptions for cognitive health. Lastly, longitudinal studies tracking biomarker levels and cognitive function over time will offer a comprehensive understanding of the enduring effects of exercise on brain health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of acute responses to BDNF and CTSB following exercise offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between physical activity and cognitive function in older adults. While immediate changes may not always be apparent, sustained engagement in activities such as Nordic walking holds promise for preserving cognitive health in aging populations. By unraveling the mechanisms underlying these acute responses, we can pave the way for targeted interventions aimed at promoting cognitive well-being in older adults.

Reference Article

Kettinen, J., Tikkanen, H., Hiltunen, M., Murray, A., Horn, N., Taylor, W. R., & Venojärvi, M. (2023). Cognitive and biomarker responses in healthy older adults to a 18-hole golf round and different walking types: a randomised cross-over study. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 9(4), e001629. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001629

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https://healthnewstrend.com/blood-pressure-variability-and-cognitive-function-in-older-adults-a-new-look

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