Gerontology & Geriatric Research

THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR BRAIN PLASTICITY

5^th International Conference on Geriatric Medicine & Gerontological Nursing

November 14-15, 2016 | Atlanta, USA

Jessica Rodrigues Pereira

University of São Paulo, Brazil

Accepted Abstracts: J Gerontol Geriat Res

Abstract:

Physical activity has been shown to exert a protective effect against cognitive deterioration, particularly among individuals who have undertaken regular aerobic exercise since adulthood and midlife. According to experimental studies, regular exercises may improve signaling pathways related to brain plasticity, for instance, angiogenesis and synaptogenesis, as well as potential neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of dentate gyrus of hippocampus. The question whether the same effects from physical exercise may interfere on human brain plasticity remains a challengeable issue to be clarified. Biological mechanisms of neuroplasticity related to physical exercise may involve increased levels of several neurotrophins such as Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). The present study is part of a larger initiative to address the effects of physical activity on global health parameters conducted at a university facility. The present analysis refers to a controlled intervention study conducted in a sample of non-demented older adults. The intervention consisted in a multimodal aerobic training program that was administered for a period of 16 weeks. Baseline and endpoint assessments were performed in a single-blinded model. In our study, the improvement of serum BDNF levels induced by the practice of aerobic exercise strengthens its role of exercise with a potential improvement mechanisms cognitive function of elderly. Moreover, increased levels of BDNF could be associated with cognitive improvement as established by previous investigations. The doubt whether outcomes from aerobic exercise on biological markers, cognition or functionality remain for extended period after the intervention was ended is an important question to be clarified.