Check out this excerpt from the plenary keynote address that will be given in a few hours at an excellent conference, WCAA2012, that happens only once every 4 years! And yes the Scots do spell it with an “e.” Wish we were there!!!!!!
Physical Activity in the Prevention of Dementia.
Dr Jennifer Etnier – Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (USA).
By 2030, the global prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is predicted to reach 65.7 million. Despite worldwide research efforts, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease has not been identified. Thus, it is important to identify preventive strategies that reduce the risk of or delay the onset. Physical activity has been shown to have potential in this regard. In cognitively normal older adults, randomized controlled trials provide evidence that regular participation in physical activity benefits cognitive performance. Additionally, there is evidence from prospective studies indicating that individuals who are more physically active have a reduced risk of dementia. Importantly, evidence also suggests that physical activity is more beneficial for individuals at greatest genetic risk for Alzheimer’s
disease because of their apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. With regards to mechanisms, recent studies suggest that changes in cerebral structure and increases in growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular-endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) may explain the cognitive benefits of physical activity. This is an important direction for future research designed to understand how to prescribe exercise to benefit cognitive function and to identify multi-modal interventions that include physical activity and other treatments such as diet and cognitive engagement to maximize these benefits.
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