Exercise Effects on Cognitive Function in Humans

摘要

Physical exercise improves memory function andmood, and may delay or prevent the onset ofneurodegenerative conditions in older individuals.Understanding the effects of exercise on the underlyingstructural and functional neuronal mechanismsin the human brain is currently the focus ofintense investigation. This Special Issue includes fourresearch papers and three reviews addressing keyissues in the human exercise and cognition field. Thefirst article is a comprehensive review by Smith whichfocuses on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease andrelated dementias and discusses the main risk factors:physical inactivity, ‘Western’ dietary patterns(e.g. high intake of saturated fat and complex carbohydrates,and low intake of fruits and vegetables),and poorly controlled cardiometabolic risk factors.In particular, a very clear and detailed description ofthe different dietary interventions that may benefitcardiovascular and cognitive health is given. Overall,combining dietary changes and exercise mayeffectively prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’sdisease and related dementias.