Abstract

SAMPEDRO-PIQUERO, Patricia  and  BEGEGA, Azucena. Does physical and mental activity prevent cognitive impairment?: evidence from animal research. Escritos de Psicología [online]. 2013, vol.6, n.3, pp.5-13. ISSN 1989-3809.  https://dx.doi.org/10.5231/psy.writ.2013.2607.

In recent decades, several pharmacological strategies have been developed to prevent age-related cognitive impairment. However, the ineffectiveness of the majority of these strategies has led to growing interest in behavioural intervention. Cognitive stimulation and physical activity have been shown to provide significant benefits by counteracting cognitive impairment and dementia. Animal models have provided information on the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate the formation of cognitive and brain reserve. This paper reviews several studies on aged rodents showing the positive effects of environmental enrichment and aerobic exercise on brain and cognitive function of these animals. The implications of this research for human aging is discussed.

Keywords : Environmental Enrichment; Aerobic Exercise; Aging; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Animal Model.

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