Age and APOE genotype affect the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and power in the alpha band, a marker of brain disease

Abstract

Background Electrophysiological studies show that reductions in power within the alpha band are associated with the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum. Physical activity (PA) is a protective factor that has proved to reduce AD risk and pathological brain burden. Previous research has confirmed that exercise increases power in the alpha range. However, little is known regarding whether other non-modifiable risk factors for AD, such as increased age or APOE ε4 carriage, alter the association between PA and power in the alpha band. Methods The relationship between PA and alpha band power was examined in a sample of 113 healthy adults using magnetoencephalography. Additionally, we explored whether ε4 carriage and age modulate this association. The correlations between alpha power and gray matter volumes and cognition were also investigated. Results We detected a parieto-occipital cluster in which PA positively correlated with alpha power. The association between PA and alpha power remained following stratification of the cohort by genotype. Younger and older adults were investigated separately, and only younger adults exhibited a positive relationship between PA and alpha power. Interestingly, when four groups were created based on age (younger-older adult) and APOE (E3/E3-E3/E4), only younger E3/E3 (least predicted risk) and older E3/E4 (greatest predicted risk) had associations between greater alpha power and higher PA. Among older E3/E4, greater alpha power in these regions was associated with improved memory and preserved brain structure. Conclusion PA could protect against the slowing of brain activity that characterizes the AD continuum, where it is of benefit for all individuals, especially E3/E4 older adults.

Association between Mineral Intake and Cognition Evaluated by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Therefore, healthy individuals with a family history of AD were encouraged to participate, since they have higher odds of inheriting genes related to cognitive impairment (such as the APOE ε4+ gene) as has been described previously [1]. A team of expert neuropsychologists ensured that the individuals willing to participate met the study's selection criteria, which have been detailed previously [39,40]. The main inclusion criteria were MMSE ≥ 24, a modified Hachinski score ≤ 4 [41] and a Geriatric Depression Scale Short-Form score ≤ 5 [42].…”

“…This research is part of the project entitled "Cognitive and neurophysiological characteristics of people at high risk for the development of dementia: a multidimensional approach" (COGDEM). This is an observational, cross-sectional study whose objective is to study the physiological characteristics of healthy and pathological aging, with special interest in recruiting individuals at an increased risk of developing AD [39]. The COG-DEM cohort consisted of 262 individuals recruited through different channels: day centers for elderly, some professional associations (i.e., telecommunications engineers) and the neurology consultation of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos.…”

Multi-omics studies reveal ameliorating effects of physical exercise on neurodegenerative diseases

“…Thus, the ε4 allele of the APOE gene might influence the neuroprotective benefit induced by PA ( Allard et al, 2017 ). Jaisalmer et al used the power in the alpha band in 113 healthy subjects to measure the effect of exercise on the degree of brain aging and explored the effect of ε4 allele carrier status on exercise-induced neuroprotection ( de Frutos-Lucas et al, 2020 ). Conversely, the presence of the ε2 allele seems to correlate with a protective phenotype in neurodegenerative disorders ( Serrano-Pozo et al, 2015 ).…”

Alpha-band power increases in posterior brain regions in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after digital cognitive stimulation treatment: randomized controlled study

“…physical exercise, Frutos-Lucas et al . 20 ) have been developed to test their potentiality to reverse the changes in alpha power in this disorder (for an in-depth review, see Kirkland and Holton 21 ). However, the effect of cognitive stimulation on abnormal alpha oscillatory dynamics has received scarce attention in the field of ADHD, even though it is among the most important therapeutic options, accumulating evidence on its efficacy to reduce the symptomatology and the associated cognitive disturbances.…”