Promoting brain health through exercise and diet in older adults: a physiological perspective

Abstract

Philippa A. Jackson completed her PhD at Northumbria University (UK) in 2010; for it she investigated the effects of supplemental omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognition in healthy young adults. She has since then continued at Northumbria University as a Research Fellow focusing on the effects of dietary interventions for promoting cognitive function and cerebral blood flow throughout the lifespan. Marc J. Poulin completed a PhD in exercise physiology at the University of Western Ontario (Canada). He then completed a DPhil and postdoctoral fellowship in respiratory and cerebrovascular physiology at Oxford with Peter Robbins as supervisor and mentor. He was recruited to the University of Calgary (Canada) Amyloid and neurofibrillary tanglesAbstract The rise in incidence of age-related cognitive impairment is a global health concern. Ageing is associated with a number of changes in the brain that, collectively, contribute to the declines in cognitive function observed in older adults. Structurally, the ageing brain atrophies as white and grey matter volumes decrease. Oxidative stress and inflammation promote endothelial dysfunction thereby hampering cerebral perfusion and thus delivery of energy substrates and nutrients. Further, the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles contributes to neuronal loss. Of interest, there are substantial inter-individual differences in the degree to which these physical and functional changes impact upon cognitive function as we grow older. This review describes how engaging in physical activity and cognitive activities and adhering to a Mediterranean style diet promote 'brain health' . From a physiological perspective, we discuss the effects of these modifiable lifestyle behaviours on the brain, and how some recent human trials are beginning to show some promise as to the effectiveness of lifestyle behaviours in combating cognitive impairment. Moreover, we propose that these lifestyle behaviours, through numerous mechanisms, serve to increase brain, cerebrovascular and cognitive reserve, thereby preserving and enhancing cognitive function for longer. Abstract figure legend Age-related changes in brain physiology. Ageing is associated with a number of structural, vascular and neuromolecular changes in the brain which contribute to impaired cognitive function. Modifiable lifestyle factors including physical activity, cognitive activity and a Mediterranean-style diet may attenuate the progression of these changes and protect against cognitive decline.

Neuro-Geriatrics

“…Clinical presentations reflect the balance between brain disorders and the individual features of the person affected including their brain reserve and resilience to disease impact [29,30]. NeuroGeriatrics includes recommendations for integrating brain health strategies into the management of geriatric brain disorders including online resources such as Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health healthybrains.org.…”

Brain train to combat brain drain; focus on exercise strategies that optimize neuroprotection

“…However, the underlying mechanisms leading to these adaptations in the human brain remain poorly understood. We and others (Davenport et al 2012;Lautenschlager et al 2012;Voss et al 2013;Jackson et al 2016) have recently reviewed the possible mechanistic candidates that may mediate such exercise-induced adaptation in the brain. Briefly summarized here (see Fig.…”

“…Recent focus has been on alternative conditioning strategies that have potential to target the brain selectively C. V. Burley and others (see Lucas et al 2015;Jackson et al 2016). These strategies have included supplementing exercise with environmental stressors (e.g.…”

Editorial

“…The first series of reviews links the cardiovascular system, exercise and diet in maintaining brain function by considering cerebral perfusion during exercise in the aged (Braz & Fisher, ) and how human trials of different lifestyle behaviours suggest means to combat cognitive impairment (Jackson et al . ). A mitochondrial perspective on the cellular mechanisms underlying neuromuscular transmission and function provides an overview of sarcopenia and potential countermeasures to this decline during ageing (Rygiel et al .…”