For some time now, a large number of papers have been published weekly (follow-up with bibliographic alerts in PubMed) that aim, firstly, to find a direct relationship between physical exercise and cognitive function and, secondly, to offer specific recommendations.
At present, all studies carried out with therapies offered to people with cognitive impairment, and more specifically with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are based on these premises:
- There is no cure; drugs can improve cognitive functioning, but they do not modify the disease.
- There is no preventive medication.
- The objective is to delay or slow down the onset.
- NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL THERAPIES should be implemented to improve cognitive functioning prior to the onset of AD.
The effect of physical exercise (PE) as a non-pharmacological strategy for the prevention of both age-related cognitive impairment and on groups of people with subjective cognitive impairment (SCID) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is already well known.
It is believed that the EF may have effects on a wide variety of neuroprotective factors.
Changes have also been documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in people who perform EF versus those who do not. The main conclusion is that the tissue density that is lost with age is reduced.
But what type of EF is the most recommended ?
In addition to the specific type of exercise there are a number of variables to consider:
- STRETCHING
- AEROBIC
The duration of the intervention over time.
- Intensity
- Weekly frequency
- The time of each session
- Type of exercise
- STRETCHING
- AEROBIC
- RESISTANCE
- BALANCE
- TAI-CHI
- The duration of the intervention over time.
- Intensity
- Weekly frequency
- The time of each session
The latest studies conclude that aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling…) has a moderate, clinically significant effect on cognitive function:
- When
the aerobic exercise is of moderate intensity.
- 3 sessions per week
The interest in the possible effect of EF on HR is not recent; as early as 1998 a WHO expert group published a paper in which such positive effects were reported, not only on HR, but also on mental health and health care costs.
- Decrease in health care expenses.
- Campaigns that promote physical activity as a way to better health and its impact on:
- Descent depression and anxiety.
- Best stress tolerance.
- Improvement of self-esteem.
- Mobility.
- Enfer. Cardiovascular.
- Osteoporosis.
- Falls.
- Diabetes.
A passive lifestyle is an important risk factor for poor health and reduced functional capacity .
Finally, and as a graphic summary, these are the 10 recommendations to keep the brain healthy according to the Spanish Society of Neurology and the Brain Foundation.
Author:
Antonio del Barrio, neuropsychologist attached to the Neurology Service of the Ruber Internacional Hospital in Madrid, since 1999.
If you are interested in receiving information about our specialists or programs, please contact us. We have units and programs specialized in all neurological pathologies. We also have a Neuro-rehabilitation Unit, which has neurologists, physiotherapists, neuropsychologists, speech therapists and occupational therapists specialized in neurological disorders.
