Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

First Advisor

Jason Brumitt

Abstract

Similar to dementia management, treatment of mild cognitive impairment includes both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic options to help prevent progression of further cognitive decline and dementia. Pharmacologic treatment of reversible causes include discontinuation of medications causing cognitive side effects, treating sleep disturbances, treating depression , and correcting deficiencies in vitamin B12 or thyroid hormone.2 Another important step includes vascular risk factor modification with pharmacologic treatment of hypertension, which has been identified as an important risk factor of dementia. 3Non-pharmacologic interventions include various methods of cognitive rehabilitation (e.g., memory training and exercise). Exercise programs lasting 6 to 12 months have shown to benefit some cognitive function in small trials.

Since exercise has many health benefits and when done safely has minimal risk in the elderly, it has been recommended to help slow the decline of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Aside from identifying the underlying cause and managing the associated symptoms of pain, agitation, and depression, it is important for clinicians to emphasize preventative measures for at risk populations as there is no cure. Exercise has proven to have many positive effects on mental health, but further research is still needed to determine if physical activity can play a role in preventing cognitive decline or slowing the progression of dementia. The purpose of this scoping review is to determine if physical activity compared to sedentary lifestyle can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

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