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Anderson ME, Wind EJ, Robison LS. Exploring the neuroprotective role of physical activity in cerebral small vessel disease. Brain Res 2024; 1833:148884. [PMID: 38527712 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a common neurological finding characterized by abnormalities of the small blood vessels in the brain. Previous research has established a strong connection between cSVD and stroke, as well as neurodegenerative disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. As the search for effective interventions continues, physical activity (PA) has emerged as a potential preventative and therapeutic avenue. This review synthesizes the human and animal literature on the influence of PA on cSVD, highlighting the importance of determining optimal exercise protocols, considering aspects such as intensity, duration, timing, and exercise type. Furthermore, the necessity of widening the age bracket in research samples is discussed, ensuring a holistic understanding of the interventions across varying pathological stages of the disease. The review also suggests the potential of exploring diverse biomarkers and risk profiles associated with clinically significant outcomes. Moreover, we review findings demonstrating the beneficial effects of PA in various rodent models of cSVD, which have uncovered numerous mechanisms of neuroprotection, including increases in neuroplasticity and integrity of the vasculature and white matter; decreases in inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction; and alterations in amyloid processing and neurotransmitter signaling. In conclusion, this review highlights the potential of physical activity as a preventive strategy for addressing cSVD, offering insights into the need for refining exercise parameters, diversifying research populations, and exploring novel biomarkers, while shedding light on the intricate mechanisms through which exercise confers neuroprotection in both humans and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Family, and Justice Studies, University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - Eleanor J Wind
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Lisa S Robison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA.
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2
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Grainger SA, Henry JD, Alister M, Bourdaniotis XE, Mead J, Bailey TG, Coombes JS, Vear N. Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscular Strength Do Not Predict Social Cognitive Capacity in Older Age. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:1824-1833. [PMID: 37480568 PMCID: PMC10645310 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Social cognitive function often declines in older age but the mechanisms underlying these declines are not completely clear. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength are positively associated with broader cognitive function in older adults, yet surprisingly, no study has examined whether a similar relationship exists between CRF or muscular strength and social cognition in older age. METHODS We assessed whether higher CRF and muscular strength were associated with enhanced social cognitive function in a sample of fifty older adults (Mage = 70.08, standard deviation = 3.93). Participants completed a gold-standard cardiopulmonary exercise test to assess CRF, an isometric handgrip strength test to index muscular strength, and validated measures of social cognition to index emotion perception and theory of mind (ToM). RESULTS The results showed that CRF and muscular strength did not explain any unique variance in older adults' social cognitive performance. Bayesian analyses confirmed that the evidence for the null hypothesis was moderate for all tested relationships, except for the relationship between CRF and cognitive ToM where the evidence for the null was anecdotal. DISCUSSION This study has provided the first evidence to suggest that CRF and muscular strength-two important modifiable lifestyle factors-are not associated with social cognition in healthy older adults. However, replication studies are now needed to cross-validate these findings and to clarify whether any moderating variables may be important for understanding the relationship between fitness and social cognition in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Grainger
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julie D Henry
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Manikya Alister
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jessica Mead
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tom G Bailey
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeff S Coombes
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalie Vear
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Graciani AL, Gutierre MU, Coppi AA, Arida RM, Gutierre RC. MYELIN, AGING, AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 127:70-81. [PMID: 37116408 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Myelin sheath is a structure in neurons fabricated by oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells responsible for increasing the efficiency of neural synapsis, impulse transmission, and providing metabolic support to the axon. They present morpho-functional changes during health aging as deformities of the sheath and its fragmentation, causing an increased load on microglial phagocytosis, with Alzheimer's disease aggravating. Physical exercise has been studied as a possible protective agent for the nervous system, offering benefits to neuroplasticity. In this regard, studies in animal models for Alzheimer's and depression reported the efficiency of physical exercise in protecting against myelin degeneration. A reduction of myelin damage during aging has also been observed in healthy humans. Physical activity promotes oligodendrocyte proliferation and myelin preservation during old age, although some controversies remain. In this review, we will address how effective physical exercise can be as a protective agent of the myelin sheath against the effects of aging in physiological and pathological conditions.
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HUNG STANLEYHUGHWA, KHLIF MOHAMEDSALAH, KRAMER SHARON, WERDEN EMILIO, BIRD LAURAJ, CAMPBELL BRUCECV, BRODTMANN AMY. Poststroke White Matter Hyperintensities and Physical Activity: A CANVAS Study Exploratory Analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2022; 54:1401-1409. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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5
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Voss MW, Jain S. Getting Fit to Counteract Cognitive Aging: Evidence and Future Directions. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022; 37:0. [PMID: 35001656 PMCID: PMC9191193 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00038.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity has shown tremendous promise for counteracting cognitive aging, but also tremendous variability in cognitive benefits. We describe evidence for how exercise affects cognitive and brain aging, and whether cardiorespiratory fitness is a key factor. We highlight a brain network framework as a valuable paradigm for the mechanistic insight needed to tailor physical activity for cognitive benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle W. Voss
- 1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa,2Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa,3Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Shivangi Jain
- 1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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6
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Maleki S, Hendrikse J, Chye Y, Caeyenberghs K, Coxon JP, Oldham S, Suo C, Yücel M. Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise with brain white matter in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:2402-2425. [PMID: 35773556 PMCID: PMC9581839 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00693-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have revealed positive associations between brain structure and physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and exercise (referred to here as PACE). While a considerable body of research has investigated the effects of PACE on grey matter, much less is known about effects on white matter (WM). Hence, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published prior to 5th July 2021 using online databases (PubMed and Scopus) and PRISMA guidelines to synthesise what is currently known about the relationship between PACE and WM in healthy adults. A total of 60 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Heterogeneity across studies was calculated using Qochran's q test, and publication bias was assessed for each meta-analysis using Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation test. A meta-regression was also conducted to explore factors contributing to any observed heterogeneity. Overall, we observed evidence of positive associations between PACE and global WM volume (effect size (Hedges's g) = 0.137, p < 0.001), global WM anomalies (effect size = 0.182, p < 0.001), and local microstructure integrity (i.e., corpus callosum: effect size = 0.345, p < 0.001, and anterior limb of internal capsule: effect size = 0.198, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that higher levels of PACE are associated with improved global WM volume and local integrity. We appraise the quality of evidence, and discuss the implications of these findings for the preservation of WM across the lifespan. We conclude by providing recommendations for future research in order to advance our understanding of the specific PACE parameters and neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Maleki
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, 770 Blackburn RD, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Joshua Hendrikse
- Movement and Exercise Neuroscience Laboratory, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Yann Chye
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, 770 Blackburn RD, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Karen Caeyenberghs
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - James P Coxon
- Movement and Exercise Neuroscience Laboratory, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Stuart Oldham
- Neural Systems and Behaviour, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chao Suo
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, 770 Blackburn RD, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
| | - Murat Yücel
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Monash University, 770 Blackburn RD, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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7
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Five years of exercise intervention at different intensities and development of white matter hyperintensities in community dwelling older adults, a Generation 100 sub-study. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:596-622. [PMID: 35042832 PMCID: PMC8833118 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We investigated if a five-year supervised exercise intervention with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus control; physical activity according to national guidelines, attenuated the growth of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). We hypothesized that supervised exercise, in particular HIIT, reduced WMH growth. Older adults from the general population participating in the RCT Generation 100 Study were scanned at 3T MRI at baseline (age 70–77), and after 1-, 3- and 5-years. At each follow-up, cardiorespiratory fitness was measured with ergospirometry, and physical activity plus clinical data collected. Manually delineated total WMH, periventricular (PWMH), deep (DWMH), and automated total white matter hypointensity volumes were obtained. No group by time interactions were present in linear mixed model analyses with the different WMH measurements as outcomes. In the combined exercise (MICT&HIIT) group, a significant group by time interaction was uncovered for PWMH volume, with a larger increase in the MICT&HIIT group. Cardiorespiratory fitness at the follow-ups or change in cardiorespiratory fitness over time were not associated with any WMH measure. Contrary to our hypothesis, taking part in MICT or HIIT over a five-year period did not attenuate WMH growth compared to being in a control group following national physical activity guidelines.
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8
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Pineda JCD, Kokubun K, Ikaga T, Yamakawa Y. Housing quality and behavior affect brain health and anxiety in healthy Japanese adults. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11999. [PMID: 34099762 PMCID: PMC8184752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Countless studies in animals have shown how housing environments and behaviors can significantly affect anxiety and brain health, giving valuable insight as to whether this is applicable in the human context. The relationship between housing, behavior, brain health, and mental wellbeing in humans remains poorly understood. We therefore explored the interaction of housing quality, weekend/holiday sedentary behavior, brain structure, and anxiety in healthy Japanese adults. Whole-brain structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods based on gray matter volume and fractional anisotropy were used as markers for brain health. Correlation tests were conducted, and then adjusted for multiple comparisons using the False Discovery Rate method. Housing quality and weekend/holiday sedentary behavior were associated with fractional anisotropy, but not with gray matter volume. Fractional anisotropy showed significant associations with anxiety. Lastly, both weekend/holiday sedentary behavior and housing quality were indirectly associated with anxiety through fractional anisotropy. These results add to the limited evidence surrounding the relationship among housing, behavior, and the brain. Furthermore, these results show that behavior and housing qualities can have an indirect impact on anxiety through neurobiological markers such as fractional anisotropy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Toshiharu Ikaga
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Yamakawa
- Open Innovation Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,ImPACT Program of Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (Cabinet Office, Government of Japan), Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan.,Office for Academic and Industrial Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan.,Brain Impact General Incorporated Association, Kyoto, Japan
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9
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d'Arbeloff T, Elliott ML, Knodt AR, Sison M, Melzer TR, Ireland D, Ramrakha S, Poulton R, Caspi A, Moffitt TE, Hariri AR. Midlife Cardiovascular Fitness Is Reflected in the Brain's White Matter. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:652575. [PMID: 33889085 PMCID: PMC8055854 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.652575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disappointing results from clinical trials designed to delay structural brain decline and the accompanying increase in risk for dementia in older adults have precipitated a shift in testing promising interventions from late in life toward midlife before irreversible damage has accumulated. This shift, however, requires targeting midlife biomarkers that are associated with clinical changes manifesting only in late life. Here we explored possible links between one putative biomarker, distributed integrity of brain white matter, and two intervention targets, cardiovascular fitness and healthy lifestyle behaviors, in midlife. At age 45, fractional anisotropy (FA) derived from diffusion weighted MRI was used to estimate the microstructural integrity of distributed white matter tracts in a population-representative birth cohort. Age-45 cardiovascular fitness (VO2Max; N = 801) was estimated from heart rates obtained during submaximal exercise tests; age-45 healthy lifestyle behaviors were estimated using the Nyberg Health Index (N = 854). Ten-fold cross-validated elastic net predictive modeling revealed that estimated VO2Max was modestly associated with distributed FA. In contrast, there was no significant association between Nyberg Health Index scores and FA. Our findings suggest that cardiovascular fitness levels, but not healthy lifestyle behaviors, are associated with the distributed integrity of white matter in the brain in midlife. These patterns could help inform future clinical intervention research targeting ADRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy d'Arbeloff
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Maxwell L Elliott
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Annchen R Knodt
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Maria Sison
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tracy R Melzer
- New Zealand Brain Research Institute, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David Ireland
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sandhya Ramrakha
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richie Poulton
- Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Avshalom Caspi
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Social, Genetic, & Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Terrie E Moffitt
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.,Social, Genetic, & Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.,Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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