Sunday, February 23, 2014

Exercise, Cognitive Function and Aging

Dementia and Alzheimer’s is another hot topic today. Medical professionals and researchers are on constantly discussing and investigating further what may positively influence these issues. Amongst many other interventions, the beneficial effects of physical activity are being closely examined and showing positive results. The exciting news is that studies are demonstrating the potential for physical activity to slow down the onset of dementia.1,2,3 Once again, the question remains, however, whether aerobic or anaerobic exercise is better especially since many older adults struggle with aerobic exercise due to physical limitations. Thankfully there are more and more researchers that are investigating anaerobic exercise because of its accessibility to a wider population of older individuals.1,2,3


References
1. Anderson-Hanley, C., Nimon, J. P., & Westen, S. C. (2010). Cognitive health benefits of strengthening exercise for community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology,32(9), 996–1001. \http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13803391003662702
2. Chang, Y., Pan, C., & Chen, F. (2012). Effect of resistance-exercise training on cognitive function in healthy older adults: A review. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 20(4), 497-518. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=22186664

3. Fabel, K., & Kempermann, G. (2008). Physical activity and the regulation of neurogenesis in the adult and aging brain. Neuromolecular Medicine, 10(2), 59–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12017-008-8031-4


No comments:

Post a Comment