Effects of Regular Aerobic Exercise Interventions on Decreased Cerebral Blood Flow-Induced Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

PURPOSE Decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a common symptom in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Aerobic exercise is a promising therapeutic intervention for delaying or ameliorating age-related CBF deterioration in older individuals. The review outlines the differences in CBF between healthy older individuals and those with MCI, as well as the benefits of aerobic exercise in augmenting CBF in older adults. METHODS We used academic search engines, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Wiley Online Library, to identify studies demonstrating alterations in CBF with aging and the preventive and therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise on CBF in older adults. The keywords included ‘mild cognitive impairment,’ ‘elderly or older people,’ ‘cerebral blood flow,’ ‘cerebral perfusion,’ and ‘aerobic exercise.’ RESULTS Aerobic exercise improves or maintains health by enhancing CBF and cognitive function in healthy older individuals. The beneficial impact applies to older people with MCI, although research has been inconsistent regarding aerobic exercise-induced alterations in CBF. CONCLUSIONS Aerobic exercise is a promising treatment for MCI in older adults and promotes CBF and cognitive function. However, some studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding changes in CBF. The inconsistencies may be due to several factors, including health and age. Further investigations are warranted to delineate the effects of aerobic exercise on CBF in older adults with MCI.

Keywords

• mild cognitive impairment
• dementia
• cerebral blood flow
• aerobic exercise