Enhancing cognitive performance and mitigating dyslipidemia: the impact of moderate aerobic training on sedentary older adults.

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise on lipids and lipoprotein levels; Lipo (a) markers, and their association with cognitive performance in healthy older adults.

METHODS

A total of 150 healthy subjects (100 males and 50 females; age range: 65-95 years) were recruited for this study. Based on the LOTCA test score, subjects were classified into two groups: the control group (n = 50) and the cognitive impairment group (n = 100). Cognitive functioning, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), lipid profile, total cholesterol, TG, HDL-c, LDL-C, and lipo(a) were assessed at baseline and post-24-week aerobic exercise interventions using LOTCA battery, pre-validated Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) version II, colorimetric, and immunoassay techniques, respectively.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in cognitive function and modulation in lipid profile and lipoprotein (a) markers were reported in all older subjects following 24 weeks of moderate exercise. LOTCA-7-sets scores significantly correlated with physical activity status and the regulation of lipids and Lipo (a) markers. Physically active persons showed higher cognitive performance along with a reduction in the levels of T-Cholest., TG, LDL-C, Lipo (a), and an increase in the levels of HDL-C and aerobic fitness VO2max compared with sedentary participants. Cognitive performance correlated positively with increased aerobic fitness, HDL-C, and negatively with T-Cholest., TG, LDL-C, and Lipo (a). However, a significant increase in the improvement of motor praxis, vasomotor organization, thinking operations, attention, and concentration were reported among older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings revealed that supervised moderate aerobic training for 24 weeks significantly enhances cognitive functions via mitigating older adults' lipid profiles and lipoprotein (a). Cognitive performance is positively correlated with aerobic fitness and HDL-C level and negatively with T-Cholest., TH, LDL-C, and Lipo (a).