Two new US studies have found low and moderate-high intensity exercise participants exhibited less cognitive decline over 12 months compared to older adults who did not exercise.
The first study included 296 older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI): a transitional state between normal cognition and significant cognitive impairment (dementia), which affects everyday function; its key symptom includes mild memory loss that causes challenges for individuals on a day-to-day basis.
Participants were randomly assigned to either moderate-high intensity aerobic training or a group following low-intensity stretching, balance and range of motion exercises for 18 months.
Participants’ cognitive levels remained stable for 12 months regardless of which type of exercise they adhered to, and lead author Prof Laura Baker at the University of North Carolina told medicalnewstoday.com: ‘In the past, moderate-high intensity exercise has been touted as necessary for cognitive benefit; however, this level of intensity may not be attainable for all older individuals.
‘Our findings suggest any exercise, if completed regularly – three to four times per week for about 30-45 minutes – may be beneficial for brain health.’
In the second study, participants with aMCI participating in moderate-high intensity aerobic or low-intensity flexibility exercise for 12 months had significantly less cognitive decline compared to those who did not exercise.
The researchers, whose studies were published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, also found both exercise groups showed less brain volume loss over 12 months, including in the prefrontal cortex.
Fellow lead author Prof Aladdin Shadyab at the University of California noted: ‘Our finding suggests the intervention may protect against cell loss in the prefrontal region, which may help to protect the cognitive abilities that this region supports.’
Prof Baker added: ‘The prefrontal cortex is an area of the brain that plays a proportionately larger role in cognitive abilities that allow us to pay attention, multi-task, plan, and organise.’
