2022 Volume 25 Issue 1 Pages 69-79
The prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment has increased with rapid aging in Japan. Prevention of dementia has high social and clinical significance, such as maintenance of the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly themselves, and is highly expected in the field of prevention. Non-pharmacological treatments are desirable, such as nutrient intake and exercise, to maintain and improve cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults, however, no scientific evidence have been established. Therefore, we focus on the brain function called executive function which is required for decision making and problem solving in cognitive function, and the cerebral oxygenation hemodynamics in brain activity and the central arterial stiffness which decreases with age. It was clarified that LTP intake improves central artery stiffness and cerebral oxygenation hemodynamics, and that combined with aerobic exercise further improves executive function. We also found that a decrease in central artery stiffness is associated with the improvement of executive function and cerebral oxygenation hemodynamics by LTP intake and aerobic exercise intervention. Our findings suggest that habitual aerobic exercise and LTP intake in middleaged and elderly people may be effective in maintaining and improving cognitive function. These results are considered to be useful for establishing preventive measures for the onset and progression of dementia.
