Dataset Information

Physical activity predicts microstructural integrity in memory-related networks in very old adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on memory and executive function are well established in older adults, little is known about the relationship between PA and brain microstructure and the contributions of physical functional limitations and chronic diseases. This study examined whether higher PA would be longitudinally associated with greater microstructural integrity in memory- and executive function-related networks and whether these associations would be independent of physical function and chronic diseases.

Methods

Diffusion tensor imaging was obtained in 2006-2008 in 276 participants (mean age = 83.0 years, 58.7% female, 41.3% black) with PA (sedentary, lifestyle active, and exercise active) measured in 1997-1998. Gait speed, cognition, depressive symptoms, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes were measured at both time points. Mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were computed from normal-appearing gray and white matter in frontoparietal and subcortical networks. Moderating effects of physical function and chronic diseases were tested using hierarchical regression models.

Results

Compared with the sedentary, the exercise active group had lower mean diffusivity in the medial temporal lobe and the cingulate cortex (?, p values: -.405, .023 and -.497, .006, respectively), independent of age, sex, and race. Associations remained independent of other variables, although they were attenuated after adjustment for diabetes. Associations between PA and other neuroimaging markers were not significant.

Conclusions

Being exercise active predicts greater memory-related microstructural integrity in older adults. Future studies in older adults with diabetes are warranted to examine the neuroprotective effect of PA in these networks.

SUBMITTER: Tian Q

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4172036 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Physical activity predicts microstructural integrity in memory-related networks in very old adults.

Tian Qu Q Erickson Kirk I KI Simonsick Eleanor M EM Aizenstein Howard J HJ Glynn Nancy W NW Boudreau Robert M RM Newman Anne B AB Kritchevsky Stephen B SB Yaffe Kristine K Harris Tamara B TB Rosano Caterina C Rosano Caterina C

The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences 20140128 10

<h4>Background</h4>Although the beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on memory and executive function are well established in older adults, little is known about the relationship between PA and brain microstructure and the contributions of physical functional limitations and chronic diseases. This study examined whether higher PA would be longitudinally associated with greater microstructural integrity in memory- and executive function-related networks and whether these associations woul ...[more]

PMID: 24474004

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Project description:BackgroundWe sought to determine which systolic blood pressure (SBP) characteristics are associated with reduced brain integrity and whether these associations are stronger for white or gray matter. We hypothesized that exposure to higher and variable SBP will be associated with lower structural integrity of both gray and white matter.MethodsNeuroimaging, SBP, and cognition were obtained in 311 community-dwelling adults in 2006-2008 (average age = 83 years; 58% women; 40% black). Antihypertensive medications, SBP, and health-related factors were collected from 1997 to 1998 to time of neuroimaging. SBP values obtained from 1997 to 1998 to time of neuroimaging were used to compute mean; pulse pressure; coefficient of variation; and peak, load, and group-based trajectories.ResultsHigher mean SBP was associated with lower white matter integrity in uncinate and superior lateral fasciculi bilaterally, independent of age, stroke history, antihypertensive medication use (odds ratio of having white matter hyperintensities greater than or equal to the median for 10mm Hg of SBP = 10.4, 95% confidence interval = 10.2-10.6, P = 0.0001; standardized beta for fractional anisotropy = -13.54, SE = 4.58, P = 0.003). These neuroimaging markers attenuated the association between higher SBP and lower digit symbol substitution test. Results were similar for trajectories of SBP and stronger for those with previously higher and variable SBP even if SBP was normal at neuroimaging. Results were similar for those without stroke. Associations with gray matter measures were not significant.ConclusionsIf confirmed, these data suggest a history of higher and variable SBP for very old adults may be useful to alert clinicians to potential lower integrity in selected tracts, whereas cross-sectional SBP measurements may obscure the risk of underlying white matter hyperintensities. Whether lowering and/or stabilizing SBP levels in very old adults without a remarkable cardiovascular history would have neuroprotective effects and reduce dementia risk needs further study.

Dataset Information

Physical activity predicts microstructural integrity in memory-related networks in very old adults.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Physical activity predicts microstructural integrity in memory-related networks in very old adults.

Similar Datasets

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