In this chapter, we review the cross-sectional evidence in healthy human subjects for physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness to offer neuroprotection and moderate cognitive decline in older age. The role of exercise training on cognition in healthy older adults and those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is also discussed, including the evidence from neuroimaging studies that document changes to brain structure and function after a period of exercise training and improved fitness. Finally, in reference to animal models, the potential neurophysiological mechanisms for physical activity and exercise to impact human brain health are highlighted.
Keyphrases
- physical activity
- mild cognitive impairment
- cognitive decline
- cross sectional
- high intensity
- skeletal muscle
- endothelial cells
- cerebral ischemia
- healthcare
- body mass index
- public health
- mental health
- sleep quality
- white matter
- resting state
- brain injury
- induced pluripotent stem cells
- pluripotent stem cells
- health information
- resistance training
- blood brain barrier
- functional connectivity
- depressive symptoms
- body composition
- health promotion