Approaches to Counteract Age-related Cognitive Decline
Exercise plays a crucial role in the health and longevity of the heart and brain over time. As humans age, cognitive function is shown to decline, however, exercise and physical activity can slow down this process. Improvements in cognition from exercise include enhanced neurogenesis and increased attention and learning. These benefits from exercise may be attributed to the secretion of critical circulating factors into the bloodstream, which work similarly to hormones as they influence the health and function of distal organs, such as the heart and the brain. A growing body of evidence has suggested a positive relationship between circulating levels of the one of these circulating factors, Klotho (the longevity factor), with cardiovascular and/or cognitive function. How each individual responds to different rehabilitation/exercise programs varies significantly, and to date there is no cost and time effective way to measure if a prescribed program is effective in slowing down an individual’s cognitive decline. Current methods are assessed through quantification of functional measures which may take weeks, months, or even years.
Description
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that certain exercise-induced circulating factors may serve as useful biomarkers to detect the efficacy of a rehabilitation program to counteract age-related declines in tissue and organ function. For instance, one can expect that different programs (e.g., aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, yoga/mindfulness or health education) will have different effects on the structural and functional cognitive outcomes in aged individuals. The early identification is advantageous, as it may allow clinicians to determine early on whether a program is effective and enables the program to be tailored to the patient. The same research group has also developed a novel technology—exosome engineering and transplantation—for delivery of Klotho transcripts, messages to promote muscle and brain health. This is important finding can reveal the specific therapeutic signals that drive Klotho anti-aging effects.Applications
· Tailored rehabilitation program for aging patients with cognitive declineAdvantages
· Early identification of biomarkers enables improved patient outcomes· Novel technology reveals positive relationship between circulating levels of Klotho with cardiovascular and cognitive function.