Association between physical activity and brain health in older adults

作者：Benedict Christian^*; Brooks Samantha J; Kullberg Joel; Nordenskjold Richard; Burgos Jonathan; Le Greves Madeleine; Kilander Lena; Larsson Elna Marie; Johansson Lars; Ahlstrom Hakan; Lind Lars; Schioth Helgi B

来源：Neurobiology of Aging, 2013, 34(1): 83-90.

DOI：10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.04.013

• Physical activity
• Brain morphometry
• Cognitive function
• Elderly

In the present cross-sectional study, we examined physical activity (PA) and its possible association with cognitive skills and brain structure in 331 cognitively healthy elderly. Based on the number of self-reported light and hard activities for at least 30 minutes per week, participants were assigned to 4 groups representing different levels of PA. The cognitive skills were assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination score, a verbal fluency task, and the Trail-making test as a measure of visuospatial orientation ability. Participants also underwent a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Multiple regression analysis revealed that greater PA was associated with a shorter time to complete the Trail-making test, and higher levels of verbal fluency. Further, the level of self-reported PA was positively correlated with brain volume, white matter, as well as a parietal lobe gray matter volume, situated bilaterally at the precuneus. These present cross-sectional results indicate that PA is a lifestyle factor that is linked to brain structure and function in late life.

• 出版日期2013-1