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Dao E, Barha CK, Zou J, Wei N, Liu-Ambrose T. Prevention of Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: The Role of Physical Activity and Exercise. Stroke 2024; 55:812-821. [PMID: 38410973 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.123.044173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia, specifically cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), are the second most common cause of dementia. Currently, there are no specific pharmacological treatments for CSVD, and the use of conventional antidementia drugs is not recommended. Exercise has the potential to prevent and mitigate CSVD-related brain damage and improve cognitive function. Mechanistic pathways underlying the neurocognitive benefits of exercise include the control of vascular risk factors, improving endothelial function, and upregulating exerkines. Notably, the therapeutic efficacy of exercise may vary by exercise type (ie, aerobic versus resistance training) and biological sex; thus, studies designed specifically to examine these moderating factors within a CSVD context are needed. Furthermore, future research should prioritize resistance training interventions, given their tremendous therapeutic potential. Addressing these knowledge gaps will help us refine exercise recommendations to maximize their therapeutic impact in the prevention and mitigation of CSVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Dao
- Department of Radiology (E.D.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Laboratory (E.D., J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (E.D., J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
| | - Cindy K Barha
- Faculty of Kinesiology (C.K.B.), University of Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (C.K.B.), University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jammy Zou
- Department of Physical Therapy (J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Laboratory (E.D., J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (E.D., J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, BC, Canada (J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
| | - Nathan Wei
- Department of Physical Therapy (J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Laboratory (E.D., J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (E.D., J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, BC, Canada (J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
| | - Teresa Liu-Ambrose
- Department of Physical Therapy (J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
- Department of Physical Therapy, Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Laboratory (E.D., J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (E.D., J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, BC, Canada (J.Z., N.W., T.L.-A.)
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Lee SY, Paolillo EW, Saloner R, Cobigo Y, Diaz VE, Gontrum EQ, VandeBunte A, Chatterjee A, Tucker M, Kramer JH, Casaletto KB. Moderating role of physical activity on hippocampal iron deposition and memory outcomes in typically aging older adults. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 131:124-131. [PMID: 37633118 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) is linked to better cognitive and brain health, though its mechanisms are unknown. While brain iron is essential for normal function, levels increase with age and, when excessive, can cause detrimental neural effects. We examined how objectively measured PA relates to cerebral iron deposition and memory functioning in normal older adults. Sixty-eight cognitively unimpaired older adults from the UCSF Memory and Aging Center completed neuropsychological testing and brain magnetic resonance imaging, followed by 30-day Fitbit monitoring. Magnetic resonance imaging quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) quantified iron deposition. PA was operationalized as average daily steps. Linear regression models examined memory as a function of hippocampal QSM, PA, and their interaction. Higher bilateral hippocampal iron deposition correlated with worse memory but was not strongly related to PA. Covarying for demographics, PA moderated the relationship between bilateral hippocampal iron deposition and memory such that the negative effect of hippocampal QSM on memory performances was no longer significant above 9120 daily steps. PA may mitigate adverse iron-related pathways for memory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Y Lee
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily W Paolillo
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rowan Saloner
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yann Cobigo
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Valentina E Diaz
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eva Q Gontrum
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anna VandeBunte
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ankita Chatterjee
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Miwa Tucker
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joel H Kramer
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kaitlin B Casaletto
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Faulkner ME, Laporte JP, Gong Z, Akhonda MABS, Triebswetter C, Kiely M, Palchamy E, Spencer RG, Bouhrara M. Lower Myelin Content Is Associated With Lower Gait Speed in Cognitively Unimpaired Adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:1339-1347. [PMID: 36879434 PMCID: PMC10395567 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glad080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that abnormal gait speed predicts the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the relationship between white matter integrity, especially myelination, and motor function is crucial to the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. We recruited 118 cognitively unimpaired adults across an extended age range of 22-94 years to examine associations between rapid or usual gait speeds and cerebral myelin content. Using our advanced multicomponent magnetic resonance relaxometry method, we measured myelin water fraction (MWF), a direct measure of myelin content, as well as longitudinal and transverse relaxation rates (R1 and R2), sensitive but nonspecific magnetic resonance imaging measures of myelin content. After adjusting for covariates and excluding 22 data sets due to cognitive impairments or artifacts, our results indicate that participants with higher rapid gait speed exhibited higher MWF, R1, and R2 values, that is, higher myelin content. These associations were statistically significant within several white matter brain regions, particularly the frontal and parietal lobes, splenium, anterior corona radiata, and superior fronto-occipital and longitudinal fasciculus. In contrast, we did not find any significant associations between usual gait speed and MWF, R1, or R2, which suggests that rapid gait speed may be a more sensitive marker of demyelination than usual gait speed. These findings advance our understanding on the implication of myelination in gait impairment among cognitively unimpaired adults, providing further evidence of the interconnection between white matter integrity and motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Faulkner
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John P Laporte
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhaoyuan Gong
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mohammad A B S Akhonda
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Curtis Triebswetter
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Kiely
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elango Palchamy
- Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard G Spencer
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mustapha Bouhrara
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Kujawa MJ, Marcinkowska AB, Grzywińska M, Waśkow M, Romanowski A, Szurowska E, Winklewski PJ, Szarmach A. Physical activity and the brain myelin content in humans. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1198657. [PMID: 37342769 PMCID: PMC10277468 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1198657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
New imaging sequences and biophysical models allow adopting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for in vivo myelin mapping in humans. Understanding myelination and remyelination processes in the brain is fundamental from the perspective of proper design of physical exercise and rehabilitation schemes that aim to slow down demyelination in the aging population and to induce remyelination in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, in this review we strive to provide a state-of-the art summary of the existing MRI studies in humans focused on the effects of physical activity on myelination/remyelination. We present and discuss four cross-sectional and four longitudinal studies and one case report. Physical activity and an active lifestyle have a beneficial effect on the myelin content in humans. Myelin expansion can be induced in humans throughout the entire lifespan by intensive aerobic exercise. Additional research is needed to determine (1) what exercise intensity (and cognitive novelty, which is embedded in the exercise scheme) is the most beneficial for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, (2) the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and myelination, and (3) how exercise-induced myelination affect cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz J. Kujawa
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Anna B. Marcinkowska
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Grzywińska
- Neuroinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Lab, Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Monika Waśkow
- Institute of Health Sciences, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Słupsk, Poland
| | | | - Edyta Szurowska
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paweł J. Winklewski
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Department of Neurophysiology, Neuropsychology and Neuroinformatics, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Szarmach
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Sabayan B, Doyle S, Rost NS, Sorond FA, Lakshminarayan K, Launer LJ. The role of population-level preventive care for brain health in ageing. Lancet Healthy Longev 2023; 4:e274-e283. [PMID: 37201543 PMCID: PMC10339354 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(23)00051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, a worldwide demographic transition has led to an increasing number of older adults with chronic neurological conditions. These conditions, which have a profound effect on the cognitive function and physical ability of older adults, also have a long preclinical phase. This feature provides a unique opportunity to implement preventive measures for high-risk groups and the population as a whole, and therefore to reduce the burden of neurological diseases. The concept of brain health has emerged as the overarching theme to define overall brain function independently of underlying pathophysiological processes. We review the concept of brain health from the ageing and preventive care perspectives, discuss the mechanisms underpinning ageing and brain ageing, highlight the interplay of various forces resulting in deviation from brain health towards brain disease, and provide an overview of strategies to promote brain health with a life-course approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Sabayan
- Department of Neurology, HealthPartners Neuroscience Center, St Paul, MN, USA; Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Sara Doyle
- Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Natalia S Rost
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Farzaneh A Sorond
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Lenore J Launer
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [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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Tsentidou G, Moraitou D, Tsolaki M. Emotion Recognition in a Health Continuum: Comparison of Healthy Adults of Advancing Age, Community Dwelling Adults Bearing Vascular Risk Factors and People Diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:13366. [PMID: 36293946 PMCID: PMC9602834 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The identification of basic emotions plays an important role in social relationships and behaviors linked to survival. In neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), the ability to recognize emotions may already be impaired at early stages of the disease, such as the stage of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, as regards vascular pathologies related to cognitive impairment, very little is known about emotion recognition in people bearing vascular risk factors (VRF). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine emotion recognition ability in the health continuum "healthy advancing age-advancing age with VRF-MCI". The sample consisted of 106 adults divided in three diagnostic groups; 43 adults with MCI, 41 adults bearing one or more VRF, and 22 healthy controls of advancing age (HC). Since HC were more educated and younger than the other two groups, the age-group and level of educational were taken into account in the statistical analyses. A dynamic visual test was administered to examine recognition of basic emotions and emotionally neutral conditions. The results showed only a significant diagnostic group x educational level interaction as regards total emotion recognition ability, F (4, 28.910) = 4.117 p = 0.004 η2 = 0.166. High educational level seems to contribute to a high-level-emotion-recognition-performance both in healthy adults of advancing age and in adults bearing vascular risk factors. Medium educational level appears to play the same role only in healthy adults. Neither educational level can help MCI people to enhance their significantly lower emotion recognition ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glykeria Tsentidou
- Laboratory of Psychology, Department of Experimental and Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Despina Moraitou
- Laboratory of Psychology, Department of Experimental and Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD), 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Magdalini Tsolaki
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Greek Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD), 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece
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