The effect of physical activity on episodic memory for those at risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a scoping review

Philip, Sarah

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120277 Copy

Description

Title

The effect of physical activity on episodic memory for those at risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a scoping review

Author(s)

Philip, Sarah

Issue Date

2023-04-17

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Gothe, Neha

Committee Member(s)

Schwarb, Hillary

Department of Study

Kinesiology & Community Health

Discipline

Kinesiology

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Alzheimer’s Disease
• cognitive impairment
• physical activity
• exercise
• episodic memory

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of neurodegeneration. The biological mechanism of AD results in progressive deterioration of the brain and irreversible neuronal death that results in memory loss. Episodic memory is a type of long-term memory defined as the recollection of past experiences and significantly deteriorates in AD pathology. Although there is currently no existing pharmacological cure for AD, exercise has shown to attenuate the gradual degradation of the brain and ultimately slow cognitive decline. An important population to assess are individuals at higher risk of AD which include those with mild cognitive impairment, a family history of AD, and advanced age. In this review, we investigate the relationship between exercise and episodic memory, for individuals at risk for AD in healthy older adults. Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to study the existing literature and summarize the effect of exercise on episodic memory for individuals at greater risk of AD, identify trends and gaps in the literature, and propose future areas of research. Methods: Among the five databases searched, 25 published studies met the inclusion criteria of: adults at higher risk of AD, an exercise intervention used as an independent variable, evaluation of episodic memory as an outcome variable, and experimental design with a control group. Sample characteristics ranged from individuals 60 years and older, an MCI diagnosis, or individuals with subjective memory complaints. Results: Sixteen of the 25 (64%) randomized controlled trials reported a significant improvement in episodic memory after an exercise intervention. There was significant heterogeneity in the study findings mainly stemming from the diverse study protocols, varying dosage of exercise, and different episodic memory assessments used to evaluate this specific cognitive domain. Conclusions: Exercise offers promise in addressing potential cognitive change during a very critical window of worsening brain function for those at an elevated risk for AD. With the inclusion of numerous types of episodic memory assessments, different types of physical activity, and various pre-clinical stages of dementia, more research is needed to determine the direct effect of exercise on memory, to either maintain or potentially improve brain function among those with a greater risk for AD.

Graduation Semester

2023-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Sarah Philip

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