# Exercise as it relates to Disease/Effects of exercise on cognitive abilities in elderly populations
## The Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Abilities in Elderly Populations
### Background

Although the decline in cognitive abilities as we age is widely variable, in general our cognitive abilities do decline in older populations. Studies into the effects that exercise can have on this decline have been produced for decades and have produced a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Exercise has been shown to positively effect the cognition of elderly adults (Adults of 60+ years and those with degenerative diseases of 50–60 years).

### The Effects Exercise has on Cognitive Ability

Apart from the obvious benefits to the physical capabilities through increased fitness and physical function, exercise has long been shown to have a positive effect on cognition. Activities such as aerobic fitness training can have a “robust and beneficial influence on the cognition of sedentary older adults” (although this adaptation can be fairly specific). Not only has it been shown improve cognitive function but also decrease cognitive decline and incidences of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s

### Recommendations

Recommendations for exercise in elderly populations (specific for improving cognition) align with those of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association of:

##### Aerobic activity

Moderate-intensity 30 mins 5 days pw Vigorous-intensity 20 mins 3 days per week

##### Muscle Strengthening Activity

8-10 exercises on 2 or more non consecutive days per week using the major muscle groups

##### Benefits of Greater Amounts of Activity

Participation in exercise above the recommended Aerobic and Muscle Strengthing activity has increased benefits

##### Flexibility Activity

10 mins at least 2 days per week

##### Balance Activity

Some balancing activity should be included

### Further reading

About: The Human Internet http://exercise.about.com/health/exercise/mbody.htm
AgeWorks.com http://www.ageworks.com
Promoting Successful Ageing http://gero.usc.edu/AgeWorks/core_courses/gero500_core/successful_lect/#classA
The Cochrane Library http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/details/collection/2043267/Physical-activity-and-exercise-for-health-and-well-being-of-older-people.html

### References

* ↑ Riddle, David R., ed. Brain aging: models, methods, and mechanisms. CRC Press, 2010
* ↑ Colcombe, Stanley, and Arthur F. Kramer. "Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults A meta-analytic study." Psychological science 14.2 (2003): 125-130.
* ↑ Heyn, Patricia, Beatriz C. Abreu, and Kenneth J. Ottenbacher. "The effects of exercise training on elderly persons with cognitive impairment and dementia: a meta-analysis." Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 85.10 (2004): 1694-1704.
* ↑ Colcombe, Stanley, and Arthur F. Kramer. "Fitness effects on the cognitive function of older adults A meta-analytic study." Psychological science 14.2 (2003): 125-130.
* ↑ Weuve, Jennifer, et al. "Physical activity, including walking, and cognitive function in older women." JAMA: the journal of the American Medical Association 292.12 (2004): 1454-1461.
* ↑ Larson, Eric B., et al. "Exercise is associated with reduced risk for incident dementia among persons 65 years of age and older." Annals of internal medicine 144.2 (2006): 73-81.
* ↑ Suzuki, Takao, et al. "Effects of multicomponent exercise on cognitive function in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial." BMC neurology 12.1 (2012): 128.
* ↑ Nelson, Miriam E., et al. "Physical activity and public health in older adults: recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association." Medicine and science in sports and exercise 39.8 (2007): 1435.
* ↑ Haskell, William L., et al. "Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association." Medicine and science in sports and exercise 39.8 (2007): 1423.
* ↑ Varela, Silvia, et al. "Effects of two different intensities of aerobic exercise on elderly people with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized pilot study." Clinical Rehabilitation 26.5 (2012): 442-450.