The role of exercise for prevention and treatment of depression and cognitive decline in the elderly

Abstract

Depression and dementia disorders are associated with cardiovascular and somatic co-morbidities, which are closely related to physical inactivity. Physical exercise can improve these cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities. In addition, physical activity and training are effective in the prevention and treatment of affective and cognitive disorders. These effects were also found in the elderly. Because of limited effectiveness and tolerance of pharmacological standard treatment options, the relevance of physical exercise as a therapeutic tool should be recognized. In a multifactorial way psychological, neurobiological as general somatic (e.g. cardiovascular and metabolic) aspects are involved in the effectiveness of exercise on brain structure and function. Hence assessment of exercise habits and individual recommendations for physical activity should be implemented as a standard procedure in the therapy of affective disorders and dementia, beginning as early as possible but also at higher ages. Key Words: Aerobic Exercise, Add-On Therapy, Lifelong Training, Neurobiologic Effects, Somatic Co-Morbidities