The Combination of Physical Activity and Cognitive Games is Associated With Better Cognitive Performance and Gray Matter Volume in Older Adults

IF 2.8 3区医学 Q2 GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Pub Date : 2025-07-03 DOI:10.1002/gps.70121

Ben Rattray, Joseph M. Northey, Disa J. Pryor, Allison A. M. Bielak, Kaarin J. Anstey, Nicolas Cherbuin

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

Investigate whether engaging in cognitive and physical activity is associated with cognitive performance and gray matter volume. Specifically, this study investigated the role of both activity types performed in close temporal proximity to each other.

Methods

Cognitively healthy older adults (n = 155; 73–78 years; 45% female) enrolled in the PATH Through Life study with valid cognitive, MRI and physical activity (PA) measures were included in the study. PA was objectively measured with a SenseWear Armband for 7 days. PA and cognitive engagement were self-reported through a 1-week activity diary. The number of 3-h periods in which ≥ 15 min of objective moderately vigorous physical activity (MVPA) > 3METs, cognitive activity, or both occurred, were assessed. Cognitive game activity periods were also coded. Associations between activity engagement and outcome measures were assessed with hierarchical regression models while controlling for age, sex, and education.

Results

For cognitive engagement, greater activity diversity was associated with better symbol digits modalities test performance (SDMT), while a greater number of cognitive activity periods were associated with better SDMT, and digit span backward performance. Greater cognitive game periods improved model fit for several cognitive outcomes and right hippocampal volume. MVPA periods were not associated with any outcome. The number of periods in which cognitive activity and MVPA were present together was associated with better immediate recall. Periods in which cognitive games and MVPA co-existed were associated with cognitive and volumetric outcomes.

Discussion

These findings support the notion that both cognitive and physical activity are positively related to brain health. They highlight the potential importance of performing both activity types in close temporal proximity to support the aging brain.

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体育活动和认知游戏的结合与老年人更好的认知表现和灰质体积有关

目的探讨参与认知和体育活动是否与认知能力和灰质体积有关。具体来说，本研究调查了两种活动类型在彼此时间接近时的作用。方法认知健康老年人(n = 155；73 - 78年;45%的女性)通过有效的认知、MRI和身体活动（PA）测量纳入了PATH Through Life研究。用SenseWear臂环客观测量PA 7天。PA和认知参与是通过一周的活动日记自我报告的。客观中度剧烈体力活动(MVPA)≥15分钟的3小时次数>；评估met、认知活动或两者同时发生。认知游戏活动周期也被编码。在控制年龄、性别和教育程度的情况下，用层次回归模型评估活动参与和结果测量之间的关系。结果在认知参与方面，活动多样性越大，符号数字模态测试成绩越好；认知活动时间越长，符号数字模态测试成绩越好；更长的认知游戏时间改善了模型对几种认知结果和右海马体积的拟合。MVPA时间与任何结果无关。认知活动和MVPA同时出现的时间与更好的即时记忆有关。认知游戏和MVPA共存的时期与认知和体积结果有关。这些发现支持了认知活动和身体活动都与大脑健康呈正相关的观点。他们强调了在近时间内进行这两种活动类型对支持衰老的大脑的潜在重要性。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 医学-精神病学

CiteScore

6.10

自引率

2.50%

发文量

168

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： The rapidly increasing world population of aged people has led to a growing need to focus attention on the problems of mental disorder in late life. The aim of the Journal is to communicate the results of original research in the causes, treatment and care of all forms of mental disorder which affect the elderly. The Journal is of interest to psychiatrists, psychologists, social scientists, nurses and others engaged in therapeutic professions, together with general neurobiological researchers. The Journal provides an international perspective on the important issue of geriatric psychiatry, and contributions are published from countries throughout the world. Topics covered include epidemiology of mental disorders in old age, clinical aetiological research, post-mortem pathological and neurochemical studies, treatment trials and evaluation of geriatric psychiatry services.