From Bedside to Bench: Does Mental and Physical Activity Promote Cognitive Vitality in Late Life?
- 28 June 2006
- journal article
- review article
- Published by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Science of Aging Knowledge Environment
- Vol. 2006 (10), pe21
- https://doi.org/10.1126/sageke.2006.10.pe21
Abstract
Abstract: A wide range of animal and human studies provide evidence for the potential of physical and cognitive exercise in promoting cognitive health later in life. The effects of such activities on intermediate outcomes, such as cognitive performance, are becoming clearer, as are the molecular mechanisms involved. Physical and cognitive exercise might increase "cognitive reserve" and increase the overall health of the brain, thereby reducing or delaying cognitive impairment and dementia. However, conclusive evidence for such benefits is not yet established. The third annual Bedside to Bench conference, cosponsored by The American Geriatrics Society and the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Aging, reviewed current knowledge regarding the role of physical and cognitive exercise in promoting cognitive vitality. Conference attendees identified gaps in our current understanding of these processes and recommended next steps for research. In particular, researchers will need to explore clinical issues related to the timing, intensity, and duration of various types and combinations of physical and cognitive activities in animal models to elucidate the mechanisms involved and inform the design of future human studies. The concept of the enriched environment currently employed in animal studies to promote physical activity, socialization, and problem solving should be explored in human studies.Keywords
This publication has 63 references indexed in Scilit:
- Soap Operas and Talk Shows on Television are Associated with Poorer Cognition in Older WomenSouthern Medical Journal, 2006
- Stress and adult neurogenesisHippocampus, 2006
- Exercise Enhances Learning and Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Aged MiceJournal of Neuroscience, 2005
- Environmental Enrichment Mitigates Cognitive Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's DiseaseJournal of Neuroscience, 2005
- Environmental Enrichment Reduces Aβ Levels and Amyloid Deposition in Transgenic MiceCell, 2005
- Physical Activity, Including Walking, and Cognitive Function in Older WomenJAMA, 2004
- Plasticity of nonneuronal brain tissue: Roles in developmental disordersMental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 2004
- Ultrastructural Evidence for Increased Contact between Astrocytes and Synapses in Rats Reared in a Complex EnvironmentNeurobiology of Learning and Memory, 1996
- Long-term effects of fluid ability training in old-old age.Developmental Psychology, 1990
- Differential rearing effects on rat visual cortex synapses. I. Synaptic and neuronal density and synapses per neuronBrain Research, 1985