Monica C Serra1,2, Kathleen R Dondero3, Derrik Larkins4, Aisling Burns5, Odessa Addison4,6. 1. Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology & Palliative Medicine and the Sam & Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity & Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA. serram@uthscsa.edu. 2. San Antonio GRECC, South Texas VA Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, USA. serram@uthscsa.edu. 3. Department of Kinesiology, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA. 4. Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitative Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. 5. Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology & Palliative Medicine and the Sam & Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity & Aging Studies, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA. 6. Baltimore VA Medical Center GRECC, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses current research on the impact of specific dietary patterns and exercise, both individually and combined, on cognitive function in older adults. RECENT FINDINGS: Observational evidence generally supports a relationship between diet adherence and positive cognitive outcomes related to memory, executive function, and risk for cognitive impairment; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited. Exercise research is more extensive, showing improvements in cognitive performance after exercise interventions regardless of baseline cognitive status and noting lower incidences of cognitive impairment in people who engage in regular physical activity. Evidence supports adherence to specific dietary patterns and a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise as an effective approach to mitigate age-associated cognitive decline. Further research on older adults at various stages of cognitive decline, as well as longer-term RCTs, will help determine the best clinical markers of early cognitive dysfunction, and the effectiveness of early lifestyle intervention on cognitive function.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses current research on the impact of specific dietary patterns and exercise, both individually and combined, on cognitive function in older adults. RECENT FINDINGS: Observational evidence generally supports a relationship between diet adherence and positive cognitive outcomes related to memory, executive function, and risk for cognitive impairment; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited. Exercise research is more extensive, showing improvements in cognitive performance after exercise interventions regardless of baseline cognitive status and noting lower incidences of cognitive impairment in people who engage in regular physical activity. Evidence supports adherence to specific dietary patterns and a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise as an effective approach to mitigate age-associated cognitive decline. Further research on older adults at various stages of cognitive decline, as well as longer-term RCTs, will help determine the best clinical markers of early cognitive dysfunction, and the effectiveness of early lifestyle intervention on cognitive function.
Authors: Cristian Alcocer-Bruno; Rosario Ferrer-Cascales; Nicolás Ruiz-Robledillo; Miriam Sánchez-SanSegundo; Ana Zaragoza-Martí Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-11-11 Impact factor: 3.390