Tyndall, A. V. et al. Protective Effects of Exercise on Cognition and Brain Health in Older Adults. Exercise Sport Sci R 46, 215–223 (2018).
Key Points
Postmaturation aging is accompanied by many adverse changes including physiological measures (i.e., decreases in physical fitness and cerebrovascular function), biomarkers (i.e., increases in oxidative stress), and psychological (i.e., mood changes) and lifestyle (i.e., smoking and alcohol use) factors.
These factors have been shown to influence the trajectory of age-associated cognitive decline and the risk of developing Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD).
Lifestyle interventions such as exercise have been shown to have potential modifying effects on these changes that could prevent or delay ADRD.
Approximately 60% of older adults do not engage in enough physical activity and exercise to promote maintenance or improvements in their overall cognitive and brain health.