Exercise Training and Functional Connectivity Changes in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Elders

Authors

Theresa J. Chirles, University of Maryland at College Park
Katherine Reiter, Marquette UniversityFollow
Lauren R. Weiss, University of Maryland at College Park
Alfonso J. Alfini, University of Maryland at College Park
Kristy A. Nielson, Marquette UniversityFollow
J. Smith Carson, University of Maryland at College Park

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

12 p.

Publication Date

2016

Publisher

IOS Press

Source Publication

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease

Source ISSN

1387-2877

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-161151

Abstract

Background: Effective interventions are needed to improve brain function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus is a hub of the default mode network (DMN) and is preferentially vulnerable to disruption of functional connectivity in MCI and AD. Objective: We investigated whether 12 weeks of aerobic exercise could enhance functional connectivity of the PCC/precuneus in MCI and healthy elders. Methods: Sixteen MCI and 16 healthy elders (age range = 60–88) engaged in a supervised 12-week walking exercise intervention. Functional MRI was acquired at rest; the PCC/precuneus was used as a seed for correlated brain activity maps. Results: A linear mixed effects model revealed a significant interaction in the right parietal lobe: the MCI group showed increased connectivity while the healthy elders showed decreased connectivity. In addition, both groups showed increased connectivity with the left postcentral gyrus. Comparing pre to post intervention changes within each group, the MCI group showed increased connectivity in 10 regions spanning frontal, parietal, temporal and insular lobes, and the cerebellum. Healthy elders did not demonstrate any significant connectivity changes. Conclusion: The observed results show increased functional connectivity of the PCC/precuneus in individuals with MCI after 12 weeks of moderate intensity walking exercise training. The protective effects of exercise training on cognition may be realized through the enhancement of neural recruitment mechanisms, which may possibly increase cognitive reserve. Whether these effects of exercise training may delay further cognitive decline in patients diagnosed with MCI remains to be demonstrated.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Vol. 57 (2017): 845-856. DOI. © 2017 IOS Press. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Chirles, Theresa J.; Reiter, Katherine; Weiss, Lauren R.; Alfini, Alfonso J.; Nielson, Kristy A.; and Carson, J. Smith, "Exercise Training and Functional Connectivity Changes in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Elders" (2016). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 262.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/262