Lifespan leisure physical activity profile, brain plasticity and cognitive function in old age

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Despite the evidence suggesting physical activity (PA) as a major factor for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline, only a few studies have systematically investigated the impact of leisure PA during the lifespan (LLPA). This study investigates the effects of LLPA on cognitive function (CF) and brain plasticity (BP) in old age.

Method: Participants’ (n = 50, 72 ± 5 yrs, 27 females) LLPA energy expenditure and volume was assessed via a validated questionnaire investigating five epochs (14–80 yrs). Using current WHO PA recommendations as reference, participants were stratified into energy expenditure and volume groups. CF outcomes were attention, executive functions, working memory and memory. BP was assessed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRSI) and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF).

Results: Correlation analysis revealed associations of mean LLPA energy expenditure with attention (CF) and N-acetylaspartate to choline ratios (NAA/Cho) (MRSI). ANOVA revealed higher interference control performance (CF) and NAA/Cho in participants complying with current PA recommendations (2-3 h per week) compared to non-compliers. Further CF and BP outcomes including BDNF were not associated with LLPA.

Conclusion: Lifelong adherence to minimum recommended PA seems to be associated with markers of cognitive function and neuronal integrity in old age.

KEYWORDS:

• Neuropsychology
• brain metabolism
• brain structure
• neurobiology
• brain derived neurotropic factor
• exercise
• lifelong
• lifetime

Acknowledgments

Parts of this study constitute the Master Thesis (M.A.) of Sina Schwarz and the Thesis for a Medical Doctorate of Natkay Rahi, Alexandra Fischer and Katharina Dietz. We especially recognize the work of Valentina Tesky of the Institute of General Practice, Bianca Lienerth of the Brain Imaging Center, Elke Hattingen of the Institute of Neuroradiology and the assistance of Romy Schild, medical technician at the Department of Sports Medicine. We want to thank Horst Michaelis, former Director at the Cronstetten-Haus for his patronage. Also, we thank all participants in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Else-Kröner-Fresenius-Foundation, the Cronstetten Foundation and the Familie Schambach Foundation (no grant numbers available), all of them German non-profit foundations guaranteeing independency of research.