Exercise as it relates to Disease/Effects of exercise on cognitive abilities in elderly populations
The Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Abilities in Elderly Populations
[edit | edit source]Background
[edit | edit source]Although the decline in cognitive abilities as we age is widely variable, in general our cognitive abilities do decline in older populations.[1] Studies into the effects that exercise can have on this decline have been produced for decades [2] and have produced a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Exercise has been shown to positively effect the cognition of elderly adults (Adults of 60+ years and those with degenerative diseases of 50–60 years).
The Effects Exercise has on Cognitive Ability
[edit | edit source]Apart from the obvious benefits to the physical capabilities through increased fitness and physical function,[3] exercise has long been shown to have a positive effect on cognition. Activities such as aerobic fitness training can have a “robust and beneficial influence on the cognition of sedentary older adults”[4] (although this adaptation can be fairly specific). Not only has it been shown improve cognitive function but also decrease cognitive decline [5] and incidences of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s [6][7]
Recommendations
[edit | edit source]Recommendations for exercise in elderly populations (specific for improving cognition) align with those of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association of:
Aerobic activity
[edit | edit source]Moderate-intensity 30 mins 5 days pw Vigorous-intensity 20 mins 3 days per week
Muscle Strengthening Activity
[edit | edit source]8-10 exercises on 2 or more non consecutive days per week using the major muscle groups
Benefits of Greater Amounts of Activity
[edit | edit source]Participation in exercise above the recommended Aerobic and Muscle Strengthing activity has increased benefits
Flexibility Activity
[edit | edit source]10 mins at least 2 days per week
Balance Activity
[edit | edit source]Some balancing activity should be included
Further reading
[edit | edit source]About: The Human Internet http://exercise.about.com/health/exercise/mbody.htm
AgeWorks.com http://www.ageworks.com
Promoting Successful Ageing http://gero.usc.edu/AgeWorks/core_courses/gero500_core/successful_lect/#classA
The Cochrane Library http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/details/collection/2043267/Physical-activity-and-exercise-for-health-and-well-being-of-older-people.html
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ Riddle, David R., ed. Brain aging: models, methods, and mechanisms. CRC Press, 2010
- ↑ Colcombe, Stanley, and Arthur F. Kramer. "Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults A meta-analytic study." Psychological science 14.2 (2003): 125-130.
- ↑ Heyn, Patricia, Beatriz C. Abreu, and Kenneth J. Ottenbacher. "The effects of exercise training on elderly persons with cognitive impairment and dementia: a meta-analysis." Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 85.10 (2004): 1694-1704.
- ↑ Colcombe, Stanley, and Arthur F. Kramer. "Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults A meta-analytic study." Psychological science 14.2 (2003): 125-130.
- ↑ Weuve, Jennifer, et al. "Physical activity, including walking, and cognitive function in older women." JAMA: the journal of the American Medical Association 292.12 (2004): 1454-1461.
- ↑ Larson, Eric B., et al. "Exercise is associated with reduced risk for incident dementia among persons 65 years of age and older." Annals of internal medicine 144.2 (2006): 73-81.
- ↑ Suzuki, Takao, et al. "Effects of multicomponent exercise on cognitive function in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial." BMC neurology 12.1 (2012): 128.
- ↑ Nelson, Miriam E., et al. "Physical activity and public health in older adults: recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association." Medicine and science in sports and exercise 39.8 (2007): 1435.
- ↑ Haskell, William L., et al. "Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association." Medicine and science in sports and exercise 39.8 (2007): 1423.
- ↑ Varela, Silvia, et al. "Effects of two different intensities of aerobic exercise on elderly people with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized pilot study." Clinical Rehabilitation 26.5 (2012): 442-450.