Exercise and cognitive function

As of 2014, an estimated 5 million people age 65 and older in the United States had Alzheimer’s disease or some form of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older people, it is not a normal part of aging. However, dementia has become so common that, chances are, everyone knows someone dealing with a significant decline in cognitive function. As these numbers increase, health care researchers want to know more about reducing people’s risk of developing dementia.

One area of research with potential positive effects on cognitive function is exercise. Many people know the healthful effects exercise has on the body and mood. But researchers are learning more about how exercise can also help brain function.

KIRK ERICKSON, PH.D.

“We know that exercise is a good way of influencing the brain in a number of ways,” says Kirk Erickson, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. “It influences both the production and secretion of a variety of different chemicals in the brain, including certain neurotransmitters and growth factors. This increased release and production enhances the functioning of neurons, the communication between different parts of the brain and the integrity of various brain regions that we know are affected in the course of aging.”

Dr. Erickson says that there is evidence-based research that the brain is not uniformly affected by aging; however, the areas that are more sensitive to aging do benefit from exercise. Researchers do not yet know the basic science processes that underlie beneficial outcomes to the human brain.
In the connection between exercise and cognitive function, Dr. Erickson is trying to elucidate how much exercise—and also how often and for how long—reaps the most benefit for the brain. His lab’s IGNITE study is designed for people 65 and older to engage them in exercise at various intensities and frequencies. One of the project’s goals is to closely examine how much exercise is needed to have an effect on the risk of dementia or cognitive decline.

Another arm of Dr. Erickson’s research is geared toward understanding the disparities that exist in dementia between Black and Brown populations and white populations. Dr. Erickson reports that African Americans and Latinx/Hispanic populations are at greater risk for dementia and often experience the onset of symptoms at earlier ages—but researchers do not know why. His REACT study, open only to African Americans, randomly places people in either a group that participates in African dance or a group that learns about the histories and cultures of Africa. The study is meant to compare and contrast the effects of physical activity and educational/instructional interventions on brain health.

As most people know from well-published research, exercise has numerous positive effects on the body. Among other benefits, exercise has been shown to reduce blood pressure, influence weight management and improve mood. People just may not always think of exercise as a way to improve brain health.

“I typically refer to exercise as a ‘sledgehammer’ to the body,” says Dr. Erickson. “That sounds terrible, but exercise seems to influence many different cellular and molecular systems throughout the body. It benefits joints, the muscular system, blood pressure, vasculature to the heart, and the brain is not outside of this realm. It has a whole-body benefit.”

In addition to advocating the whole-body benefits of exercise, Dr. Erickson says that, although it is better to start early in life, it is never too late to start exercising and experience its positive effects. Some study participants have told him that they think it is too late or that they are “destined” by genetics to develop certain health conditions.

“We still have so much to learn about how exercise helps brain health,” he says, “but we know it does. It’s never too late to think positively or be proactive about making exercise a habit for a healthier lifestyle.”

To learn more about the IGNITE study, visit https://pittplusme.org/studyarms/publicdetails?guid=dc7edf62-e4ca-4c3b-a653-a088aaf343ce or call 412-463-4588.

To learn more about the REACT study, visit
https://pittplusme.org/studyarms/publicdetails?Guid=3000fd7a-a578-41fd-b6b4-89d0c8be3351 or call 412-389-0998.

 

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