Dissertation
Cognitive Function and The Risk of Dementia: The Influence of Physical Fitness and Exercise in Older Adults
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00019
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is one of the most common health problems among older adults and has become a major focus for healthcare providers due to the ageing of the global population (1). The prevalence of cognitive impairment has been estimated to be around 7% among older adults aged between 60 and 65 years (2, 3), and is reported to increase to about 40% among older adults aged 80 years and over (3, 4). Moreover, the most common mental and neurological disorders among older adults, which are Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), are either defined by or associated with cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment describes a continuum of signs ranging from subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (3, 5-7). No cure for dementia currently exists, prompting increased efforts to understand the preclinical stages such as SCI and MCI as potential opportunities for new interventions (3, 5-7). The current guidelines of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) promote regular exercise for these individuals (3). However, only two studies underpin this recommendation of the AAN, and there is a clear need for studies with larger sample sizes, standardised neuropsychological testing methods, longer intervention periods and well-defined diagnostic criteria for MCI (3). A primary prevention strategy that delays the conversion to dementia by even two years would greatly reduce the total number of patients living with dementia, and result in important public health, economic and societal benefits (8-10). Therefore, this thesis explored the effects of exercise on cognition in individuals at high risk for dementia to determine if targeted exercise presents an optimal primary prevention strategy. In particular, this thesis focused on different modes of exercise, while also evaluating methods to monitor exercise intensity and physical activity. In addition, this thesis investigated the efficacy of electroencephalography (EEG) markers for cognitive decline in older adults.
Details
- Title
- Cognitive Function and The Risk of Dementia: The Influence of Physical Fitness and Exercise in Older Adults
- Authors
- Tim Stuckenschneider
- Contributors
- Christopher Askew (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - LegacyStefan Schneider (Supervisor)Mathew Summers (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Social Sciences - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00019
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99482208002621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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