Exercise and Brain Training Combo Shows Promise in Slowing Cognitive Decline: Canadian Study
A recent Canadian study suggests that combining exercise and brain training can have a significant impact on slowing cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Researchers from various Canadian cities conducted a multi-city clinical trial, which demonstrated that the combination of physical exercise and cognitive training yielded better results than either intervention alone. Lead researcher Manuel Montero-Odasso, based in London, Ontario, highlighted the clinical significance of these findings, noting that the improvement observed in the trial was closer to the benchmark required by regulatory authorities for approving medications aimed at treating cognitive decline than other recent studies.
Montero-Odasso explained that previous research combining exercise and cognitive training simultaneously produced ambiguous results. This led the team to design a study where exercise was performed before cognitive training. The researchers theorized that exercise prior to cognitive training could stimulate the brain by improving blood circulation, enhancing its ability to receive the training effectively. The study, called the Synergic Trial (Synchronizing Exercises, Remedies in Gait and Cognition), involved 175 Canadian adults aged 65 to 84 and split them into five different groups to understand the impacts of exercise, cognitive training, and vitamin D.
The cognitive training used in the trial was a specific program designed by Louis Bherer from the Université de Montréal. The exercise regimen involved physical exercises performed at least three days a week for a minimum of 40 minutes, with participants pushing their heart rate 20% higher than their base rate to achieve optimum results. After exercise, participants engaged in mental activities such as playing a chess game to keep their minds active. The researchers found that the intervention led to improvements in memory, attention, and word recognition—essential factors in combatting dementia. Exercise alone primarily improved executive function.
Interestingly, the study did not find any clinical impact from vitamin D supplementation. Montero-Odasso explained that the study participants already had high levels of vitamin D to begin with, possibly due to their interest in improving their health, meaning further research would be required to assess the impact on individuals with low vitamin D levels. He noted that the strength of the study lies in the participation of individuals from various cities, indicating that the results are not specific to one geographic area.
The research team is now preparing for the next phase of trials, called Synergic-2, which will involve virtual at-home interventions for 550 individuals with MCI. Those interested in participating can reach out to the team via email or phone.
In conclusion, this Canadian study provides promising evidence that combining exercise and brain training can effectively slow cognitive decline in older adults with MCI. By prioritizing physical exercise and engaging in cognitive training activities, individuals can potentially improve their cognitive abilities and enhance overall brain health. Although further research is needed, these findings offer hope for individuals seeking non-pharmacological interventions to combat cognitive decline.
