Aerobic Fitness and Healthy Brain Aging

Aerobic Fitness and Healthy Brain Aging PDF Author: Lars Jonasson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789176017531
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 81

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Book Description
Background: Performing aerobic exercise and maintaining high levels of aerobic fitness may have positive effects on both brain structure and function in older adults. Despite decades of research however, there is still a rather poor understanding of the neurocognitive mechanisms explaining the positive effects of aerobic exercise on cognition. Changes in prefrontal gray matter as well as dopaminergic neurotransmission in striatum are both candidate neurocognitive mechanisms. The main aims of this thesis are: 1. To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and fitness on cognition and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived gray matter volumes using data from a 6 month physical exercise intervention in older adults (Study I). 2. To simulate the effect of atrophy in longitudinal positron emission tomography (PET) which could pose a challenge to interpreting changes in longitudinal PET imaging (Study II). 3. To study the influence of aerobic exercise and fitness on the dopamine D2-receptor (D2R) system in striatum using [11C]raclopride PET as a potential mechanism for improved cognition (Study III). Results: In Study I, aerobic exercise was found to improve cognitive performance in a broad, rather than domain-specific sense. Moreover, aerobic fitness was related to prefrontal cortical thickness, and improved aerobic fitness over 6 months was related to increased hippocampal volume. In Study II, we identified areas in the striatum vulnerable to the effect of shrinkage, which should be considered in longitudinal PET imaging. Finally, in Study III, the effect of being aerobically fit, and improving fitness levels was found to impact dopaminergic neurotransmission in the striatum, which in turn mediated fitness-induced improvements in working memory updating performance. Conclusion: The findings in this thesis provide novel evidence regarding the neurocognitive mechanisms of aerobic exercise-induced improvements in cognition, and impacts the interpretation of longitudinal PET imaging. Performing aerobic exercise and staying aerobically fit at an older age have positive effects on cognition and brain systems important for memory and cognition. Specifically, fitness-induced changes to the dopaminergic system stands out as one novel neurocognitive mechanism explaining the positive effects of aerobic fitness on working-memory performance in healthy older adults.

Aerobic Fitness and Healthy Brain Aging

Aerobic Fitness and Healthy Brain Aging PDF Author: Lars Jonasson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789176017531
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 81

Get Book Here

Book Description
Background: Performing aerobic exercise and maintaining high levels of aerobic fitness may have positive effects on both brain structure and function in older adults. Despite decades of research however, there is still a rather poor understanding of the neurocognitive mechanisms explaining the positive effects of aerobic exercise on cognition. Changes in prefrontal gray matter as well as dopaminergic neurotransmission in striatum are both candidate neurocognitive mechanisms. The main aims of this thesis are: 1. To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and fitness on cognition and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) derived gray matter volumes using data from a 6 month physical exercise intervention in older adults (Study I). 2. To simulate the effect of atrophy in longitudinal positron emission tomography (PET) which could pose a challenge to interpreting changes in longitudinal PET imaging (Study II). 3. To study the influence of aerobic exercise and fitness on the dopamine D2-receptor (D2R) system in striatum using [11C]raclopride PET as a potential mechanism for improved cognition (Study III). Results: In Study I, aerobic exercise was found to improve cognitive performance in a broad, rather than domain-specific sense. Moreover, aerobic fitness was related to prefrontal cortical thickness, and improved aerobic fitness over 6 months was related to increased hippocampal volume. In Study II, we identified areas in the striatum vulnerable to the effect of shrinkage, which should be considered in longitudinal PET imaging. Finally, in Study III, the effect of being aerobically fit, and improving fitness levels was found to impact dopaminergic neurotransmission in the striatum, which in turn mediated fitness-induced improvements in working memory updating performance. Conclusion: The findings in this thesis provide novel evidence regarding the neurocognitive mechanisms of aerobic exercise-induced improvements in cognition, and impacts the interpretation of longitudinal PET imaging. Performing aerobic exercise and staying aerobically fit at an older age have positive effects on cognition and brain systems important for memory and cognition. Specifically, fitness-induced changes to the dopaminergic system stands out as one novel neurocognitive mechanism explaining the positive effects of aerobic fitness on working-memory performance in healthy older adults.

Physical Activity and the Aging Brain

Physical Activity and the Aging Brain PDF Author: Ronald Ross Watson
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128052627
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
Physical Activity and the Aging Brain: Effects of Exercise on Neurological Function is a complete guide to the manifold effects of exercise and physical activity on the aging brain. Cognitive decline and motor impairment, onset of diseases and disorders, and even changes in family structure and social settings that occur as we age can all impact activity levels, yet continued physical activity is crucial for successful neurological functioning. This book examines the role that exercise and physical activity play in halting or modulating the deleterious effects of these numerous aging concerns by first examining the current state of research into how exercise manifests physical changes in the brain. It then discuss how physical activity combines with other lifestyle factors to benefit the aging brain, including nutrition, computerized brain training, and social engagement. Most significantly, it also covers how physical activity can serve as therapy to help alleviate the symptoms of various neurological diseases impacting aging populations, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. The book provides broad coverage of the effects of exercise and physical activity on the aging brain, its therapeutic effects, and the many factors that influence the aging process. Presents research scientists with a complete understanding of the role of exercise in healthy brain aging Considers the roles of nutrition, the mind-body connection, and other lifestyle factors Presents a major resource for exercise and physical activity in the neurological health of older adults Provides a synopsis of key ideas associated with the many aspects of physical activity, along with lifestyle factors that can modify neurological diseases and age-related neurological decline

The Handbook of Aging and Cognition

The Handbook of Aging and Cognition PDF Author: Fergus I. M. Craik
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 9781138975705
Category : Cognition
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Cognitive aging is a flourishing area of research. This third edition reviews the findings and theories since the previous edition and evaluates the field's points of growth.

Diet and Exercise in Cognitive Function and Neurological Diseases

Diet and Exercise in Cognitive Function and Neurological Diseases PDF Author: Akhlaq A. Farooqui
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118840577
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 401

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Book Description
Diet and exercise have long been recognized as important components of a healthy lifestyle, as they have a great impact on improving cardiovascular and cerebrovascular functions, lowering the risk of metabolic disorders, and contributing to healthy aging. As a greater proportion of the world’s population is living longer, there has been increased interest in understanding the role of nutrition and exercise in long-term neurological health and cognitive function. Diet and Exercise in Cognitive Function and Neurological Diseases discusses the role and impact that nutrition and activity have on cognitive function and neurological health. The book is divided into two sections. The first section focuses on diet and its impact on neurobiological processes. Chapters focus on the impacts of specific diets, such as the Mediterranean, ketogenic and vegan diets, as well as the role of specific nutrients, fats, fatty acids, and calorie restriction on neurological health and cognitive function. The second section of the book focuses on exercise, and its role in maintaining cognitive function, reducing neuroinflammatory responses, regulating adult neurogenesis, and healthy brain aging. Other chapters look at the impact of exercise in the management of specific neurological disorders such Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. Diet and Exercise in Cognitive Function and Neurological Diseases is a timely reference on the neurobiological interplay between diet and exercise on long-term brain health and cognitive function.

Keep Sharp

Keep Sharp PDF Author: Sanjay Gupta
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1501166751
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 336

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Book Description
Keep your brain young, healthy, and sharp with this science-driven guide to protecting your mind from decline by neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Throughout our life, we look for ways to keep our minds sharp and effortlessly productive. Now, globetrotting neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta offers “the book all of us need, young and old” (Walter Isaacson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Code Breaker) with insights from top scientists all over the world, whose cutting-edge research can help you heighten and protect brain function and maintain cognitive health at any age. Keep Sharp debunks common myths about aging and mental decline, explores whether there’s a “best” diet or exercise regimen for the brain, and explains whether it’s healthier to play video games that test memory and processing speed, or to engage in more social interaction. Discover what we can learn from “super-brained” people who are in their eighties and nineties with no signs of slowing down—and whether there are truly any benefits to drugs, supplements, and vitamins. Dr. Gupta also addresses brain disease, particularly Alzheimer’s, answers all your questions about the signs and symptoms, and shows how to ward against it and stay healthy while caring for a partner in cognitive decline. He likewise provides you with a personalized twelve-week program featuring practical strategies to strengthen your brain every day. Keep Sharp is the “must-read owner’s manual” (Arianna Huffington) you’ll need to keep your brain young and healthy regardless of your age!

Exercise and Cognitive Function

Exercise and Cognitive Function PDF Author: Terry McMorris
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470740671
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 386

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Book Description
This textbook focuses on the relationship between physical exercise and cognition, a very timely and important topic with major theoretical and practical implications for a number of areas including ageing, neurorehabilitation, depression and dementia. It brings together a wide range of analytical approaches and experimental results to provide a very useful overview and synthesis of this growing field of study. The book is divided into three parts: Part I covers the conceptual, theoretical and methodological underpinnings and issues. Part II focuses on advances in exercise and cognition research, with appropriate sub-sections on ‘acute’ and ‘chronic’ exercise and cognition. Part III presents an overview of the area and makes suggestions for the direction of future research. This text provides a cutting-edge examination of this increasingly important area written by leading experts from around the world. The book will prove invaluable to researchers and practitioners in a number of fields, including exercise science, cognitive science, neuroscience and clinical medicine. Key Features: Unique in-depth investigation of the relationship between physical exercise and brain function. Covers theoretical approaches and experimental results and includes chapters on the latest developments in research design. Examines the effects of both acute and chronic exercise on brain function. International list of contributors, who are leading researchers in their field.

Exercise and the Brain

Exercise and the Brain PDF Author: Robert W. Baloh
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3031139240
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
This book focuses on the benefits of exercise for prevention and treatment of chronic brain disorders. It is a guide for finding the right exercise routine for each individual. The goal is to show the reader why everyone needs to exercise, especially as we get older. The brain needs physical exercise both for normal health and for preventing and treating diseases common with aging. How much exercise is needed? As we see throughout the book there is no one fits all rule with regard to the amount of exercise required. The key is to make exercise a part of one’s daily routine. The beneficial effect of exercise is transient, lasting days to weeks, so it must be a lifelong pursuit. Can we exercise too much? Anything done in excess can potentially be dangerous but with the common sense approach outlined in this book anyone, regardless of underlying health condition, can find some type of exercise that is safe and effective.

The Brain Training Revolution

The Brain Training Revolution PDF Author: Paul E. Bendheim
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1402218206
Category : Brain
Languages : en
Pages : 356

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Book Description
"An important book... a proven and practical guide." —Steven H. Ferris, PhD, director, Alzheimer's Disease Center, NYU Regain, Retrain, and Maintain Your Brain Help Prevent Memory Loss - Increase Brain Agility - Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's Because memory loss is the number one health concern of Americans over forty-five,The Brain Training Revolutionis a valuable weapon on the battleground of aging. You have the power to grow and strengthen your brain, minimize the severity of age-associated memory lapses, and reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease. You can greatly influence the vitality of your brain. You can guard against brain disease. It's never too late to start the Brain Training Revolution, and the scientific evidence is clear—you will feel better and your body and brain will benefit. The Brain Training Revolutionoffers a unique three-part prescription for a brain-healthy life. Boost Brain Health Help Prevent Memory Loss Increase Brain Agility Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's This innovative step-by-step guidebook and DVD show you how to fight off memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, how to blunt the assaults of aging, and how to perform at the mental level you desire in your fifties, sixties, seventies, and beyond. Dr. Paul Bendheim, founder of the brain-health firm BrainSavers LLC, has created a lifestyle plan that incorporates medical evidence–based brain-healthy eating, modest physical exercise, and challenging mental exercises (some included here in color for an extra brain workout), all of which you can adapt to your own comfort level. You'll find out more about: What to expect as your brain gets older How to boost your brain's performance in midlife and beyond while combating normal age-associated memory loss How to protect and strengthen the "memory maker" in your brain, the small sea horse–shaped structure called the hippocampus How modest lifestyle adjustments can make a huge difference in maintaining a healthy brain The importance of plasticity and brain reserve: how you can better your brain at any age The features of the brain that are critical to healthy brain aging How to work out your brain using full-color illustrations Simple things you can do every day to keep your brain healthy and functioning at its peak These big three components for brain fitness, along with stress management and a good night's sleep, add up to a complete and proven plan for healthy brain aging that your mind will thank you for. Brainsavers.com– A BrainSavers ™ Book Bonus DVD includes interactive mental exercises "With skill, clarity and grounding in research, Paul Bendheim has put together a highly practical program that explains how to achieve lifelong brain health." —Kenneth S. Kosik, MD, codirector, Neuroscience Research Institute, and Harriman Professor of Neuroscience, University of California, Santa Barbara

Cognitive and Brain Aging: Interventions to Promote Well-Being in Old Age. Roadmap for Interventions Preventing Cognitive Aging

Cognitive and Brain Aging: Interventions to Promote Well-Being in Old Age. Roadmap for Interventions Preventing Cognitive Aging PDF Author: Pamela M. Greenwood
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889634892
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 326

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Book Description


Your Best Brain Ever

Your Best Brain Ever PDF Author: Michael S. Sweeney
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 1426213247
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 244

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Book Description
National Geographic presents a comprehensive guide to fighting mental decline. With cutting-edge neuroscience, information about Alzheimer's, fascinating case studies, and tips to fight brain aging symptoms such as slower mental acuity and "senior moments," this smart, engaging guide will help keep your memory sharp and your mind active. Fun, age-defying exercises--from body stretches to word games to foods that help you think--help the brain perform at its best, just like exercising does for other parts of the body. Leading memory loss expert Cynthia R. Green, PhD, and eminent science writer Michael Sweeney have created a book both informational and practical that gives readers everything they need to know about the care and feeding of one of the body's most important organs: the brain.