Aerobic exercise improves cognitive function and impairment:
Aerobic exercise improved multitasking, cognitive flexibility, information processing efficiency, and selective attention especially in women. Baker and colleagues report the results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial involving 33 adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in 17 women with an average age of 70. A group of 23 were randomly assigned to an aerobic exercise group and exercised at high intensity levels under the supervision of a trainer for 45 to 60 minutes per day, 4 days per week. The control group of 10 individuals performed supervised stretching exercises according to the same schedule but kept their heart rate low. Fitness testing, body fat analysis, blood tests of metabolic markers and cognitive functions were assessed before, during and after six-months. A total of 29 participants completed the study. Overall, the patients in the high-intensity aerobic exercise group experienced improved cognitive function compared with those in the control group. Specifically, positive effects were seen in multitasking, cognitive flexibility, information processing efficiency and selective attention compared with the stretching control group. These effects were more pronounced in women than in men, despite similar increases in fitness. On average, effect on women was more than twice that for men. The sex differences may be related to the metabolic effects of exercise, as changes to the body\’s use and production of insulin, glucose and the stress hormone cortisol differed in men and women. Results also indicate deterioration in the cognitive function of women in the control group, suggesting aerobic exercise mitigates the progression of cognitive impairment. This study suggests that rigorous aerobic exercise was an effective, non-pharmaceutical approach to combat the effects of cognitive impairment, particularly for women. (17) Aerobic exercise may improve Alzheimer\’s dementia. Seven cohort studies were compared in an analysis in Germany which discussed the benefits of distance walking, aerobic exercise and various other physical activities in Alzheimer\’s disease and cerebrovascular dysfunction. The study stated that vascular regeneration, organ blood flow, induction of antioxidant pathways, and enhanced angiogenesis has been experienced in individuals with exercise training. A large clinical trial was included in the analysis which suggested a significant reduction of Alzheimer\’s dementia accompanied by extensive cardiovascular changes experienced with exercise. According to the study, exercise may benefit Alzheimer\’s disease by up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes and angiogenesis. Furthermore the study concluded that regular exercise is thought to counteract Alzheimer\’s disease by improving endothelial dysfunction (the ability of blood vessels to respond appropriately to the body\’s blood flow needs), upholding neuronal plasticity, and build a vascular reserve. (18)