Physical Activity Improves Verbal and Spatial Memory in Older Adults with Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

Lindsay S Nagamatsu; Alison Chan; Jennifer C Davis; B. Lynn Beattie; Peter Graf; Michelle W Voss; Devika Sharma; Teresa Liu-Ambrose

doi:10.1155/2013/861893

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Physical Activity Improves Verbal and Spatial Memory in Older Adults with Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

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Physical Activity Improves Verbal and Spatial Memory in Older Adults with Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

Lindsay S Nagamatsu, Alison Chan, Jennifer C Davis, B. Lynn Beattie, Peter Graf, Michelle W Voss, Devika Sharma and Teresa Liu-Ambrose

Journal of aging research, Vol.2013, pp.1-10

2013

DOI: 10.1155/2013/861893

PMCID: PMC3595715

PMID: 23509628

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Abstract

We report secondary findings from a randomized controlled trial on the effects of exercise on memory in older adults with probable MCI. We randomized 86 women aged 70–80 years with subjective memory complaints into one of three groups: resistance training, aerobic training, or balance and tone (control). All participants exercised twice per week for six months. We measured verbal memory and learning using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and spatial memory using a computerized test, before and after trial completion. We found that the aerobic training group remembered significantly more items in the loss after interference condition of the RAVLT compared with the control group after six months of training. In addition, both experimental groups showed improved spatial memory performance in the most difficult condition where they were required to memorize the spatial location of three items, compared with the control group. Lastly, we found a significant correlation between spatial memory performance and overall physical capacity after intervention in the aerobic training group. Taken together, our results provide support for the prevailing notion that exercise can positively impact cognitive functioning and may represent an effective strategy to improve memory in those who have begun to experience cognitive decline.

Details

Title: Subtitle: Physical Activity Improves Verbal and Spatial Memory in Older Adults with Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial
Creators: Lindsay S Nagamatsu - Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
Alison Chan - Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), 212-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
Jennifer C Davis - Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), 212-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
B. Lynn Beattie - Alzheimer Clinic, G37 Purdy Pavilion, UBC Hospital, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2B5, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2B5
Peter Graf - Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
Michelle W Voss - Department of Psychology, The University of Iowa, E11 Seashore Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1409, USA
Devika Sharma - Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), 212-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
Teresa Liu-Ambrose - Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (UBC), 212-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3, Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia (UBC), 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2B5
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of aging research, Vol.2013, pp.1-10
DOI: 10.1155/2013/861893
PMID: 23509628
PMCID: PMC3595715
NLM abbreviation: J Aging Res
ISSN: 2090-2204
eISSN: 2090-2212
Grant note: name: The Pacific Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
Language: English
Date published: 2013
Academic Unit: Psychological and Brain Sciences; Iowa Neuroscience Institute
Record Identifier: 9984002337002771

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