The Impact of Physical Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Level in Elderly Population

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Memory function disorder is a major health problem in geriatric patients. Physical exercise has the potency to decrease the incidence of many degenerative and chronic health problem, related to cognitive deterioration (dementia).
 AIM: This research aimed to observe the effect of physical exercise in various doses and duration on memory function by analysing the role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) as a regulatory protein affected by exercise.
 METHODS: This was an analytical observational study with a cohort design. Thirty participants were included in each group, classified as exercise and non-exercise group. The exercise was in the form of jogging for at least fifteen minutes every day. The observation was done for sixty days. Cognitive function assessment was done by using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) questionnaire. Meanwhile, the BDNF level was assessed by ELISA. Statistical analysis was done using Independent T-test.
 RESULTS: Exercise group showed better MMSE score (28.56 ± 1.76), and a higher concentration of BDNF (235.34 ± 12.56 pg/mL), both were statistically significant.
 CONCLUSION: Physical exercise was able to maintain geriatric cognitive function performance by BDNF protein regulation.

Association between physical activity and conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia

“…After physical activity, the release of BDNF from the brain is enhanced. [17,18], with 6 months of resistance exercise su cient to increase serum levels of IGF-1 in older adults. [19] Physical activity also increases cerebral blood ow (CBF).…”

The effect of physical exercise on the memory of elderly - an intervention study

“…It is known that physical exercise is effective to reverse the loss of volume of the prefrontal and parietal cortex in elderly people, and may have a reflection over the improvement of this function 6,31,41,43 . Moreover, the mechanisms that contribute to decreased cognitive function and psychiatric disorder may be linked to the higher level of activity-induced BDNF, increasing neurogenesis and synaptogenesis 13 . In addition, the main physiological hypotheses that may explain the acute effects of regular exercise memory improvement are linked to increased regional blood flow and energy expenditure, leading to higher energy demand in areas of the cortex responsible for motor control 15,16,37,42 .…”

“…These changes in brain structures, neurogenesis, and greater synaptic plasticity can be explained by hormonal mechanisms. Hormones such as Insulin Growth Factor I (IGF-I) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) are speculated to perform neuronal growth and stimulation functions 13,20,44 . Therefore, understanding the effects of physical training on hormone production is relevant in understanding the central nervous system adaptation to training.…”

“…Given this situation, the literature has proposed several therapies to delay changes related to the loss of cognitive function in the elderly. Among these, physical exercise is a low cost and effective non-pharmacological alternative for memory prevention / rehabilitation, acting positively on cerebral angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and synaptogenesis [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] .…”

Association between physical activity and conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia

“…After physical activity, the release of BDNF from the brain is enhanced. [17,18], with 6 months of resistance exercise sufficient to increase serum levels of IGF-1 in older adults. [19] Physical activity also increases cerebral blood flow (CBF).…”