Behrman Sophie, Ebmeier Klaus P
Practitioner. 2014 Jan;258(1767):17-21, 2-3.
As the tolerability of pharmacological agents decreases with age, exercise may be particularly helpful as a possible treatment or stabiliser of mood and cognitive function in older age. Exercise has been most commonly evaluated for the treatment of depression. Exercise interventions designed primarily for treatment of physical conditions in the elderly do appear to confer psychological benefits as well, with reduction in depressive symptoms over the course of treatment. The effects of exercise on reducing depressive symptoms are not dissimilar to the effects of antidepressant drugs and cognitive behaviour therapy. Exercise may be a useful low-tech intervention for people with mild to moderate depression. In particular, exercise may be helpful in the elderly and in patients who have had insufficient response to, or are intolerant of, pharmacotherapy. Mastery of a new skill and positive feedback from others may increase feelings of self-esteem and improve mood. Exercise may distract participants from persistent negative thoughts. Exercise has been shown to improve executive function acutely in adults of all ages. It is possible that dance routines or other exercise regimens requiring some cognitive input may confer additional benefit to cognitive function. Exercise has a moderate effect on the ability of people with dementia to perform activities of daily living and may improve cognitive function. Midlife exercise may also have an impact on later cognitive function.
随着年龄增长，药物耐受性降低，运动作为一种可能的治疗方法或老年情绪及认知功能的稳定剂可能会特别有帮助。运动最常被评估用于治疗抑郁症。主要为治疗老年人身体状况而设计的运动干预措施似乎也能带来心理益处，在治疗过程中抑郁症状会减轻。运动对减轻抑郁症状的效果与抗抑郁药物和认知行为疗法的效果并无不同。对于轻度至中度抑郁症患者，运动可能是一种有用的低技术干预措施。特别是，运动可能对老年人以及对药物治疗反应不足或不耐受的患者有帮助。掌握一项新技能以及他人的积极反馈可能会增强自尊感并改善情绪。运动可能会使参与者从持续的消极想法中分心。研究表明，运动能在所有年龄段的成年人中迅速改善执行功能。需要一些认知投入的舞蹈套路或其他运动方案可能会给认知功能带来额外益处。运动对痴呆症患者进行日常生活活动的能力有中等程度的影响，并且可能改善认知功能。中年时期的运动也可能对后期的认知功能产生影响。
