Review article

Aging, Physical Exercise and Cognitive Dysfunctions

Ninoslav Mimica
Suzana Uzun
Oliver Kozumplik

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to describe knowledge about the potentially beneficial effects of physical exercise on cognitive functions in persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as effects of physical exercise on cognitive functions in the elderly, in general. Exercise may be one of the methods for preventing or delaying cognitive decline. Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function. Prospective studies indicate that physical inactivity is one of the most common preventable risk factors for developing AD and that increased physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of the development of disease.
Also, studies that investigated the effect of physical exercise on behavioural and psychological symptoms which are common in Alzheimer's dementia showed a positive effect of physical exercise in alleviating behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Regular physical exercise increases antioxidative capacity, reduces oxidative stress, and produces anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, it can counteract dyslipidaemia and induce neurogenesis.
CONCLUSION: Although we can conclude that physical activity has a positive effect on cognitive abilities, one question remains unanswered – what is the appropriate intensity and type of exercise. The answer to this question requires an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, further investigations of the effects of physical exercise on cognitive abilities are necessary to develop an individual approach to physical exercise for each patient.

Keywords

physical exercise; physical activity; cognitive functions; Alzheimer's disease; the elderly; individual approach

Hrčak ID:

227118

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/227118

Publication date:

28.10.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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