Project description
Innovative exercises for the ageing brain
It is a fact that our brains age, resulting in cognitive decline and putting the elderly at greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia. Ageing is the primary risk factor of most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and treatment is lacking. However, the proven benefits of physical activity for brain health offer new solutions. In this context, the EU-funded ART4Brain project will combine groundbreaking approaches to research the possibility of using physical activity to improve brain-related outcomes in coronary heart disease patients. ART4Brain will study the effects of aerobic/resistance exercises on cerebral blood flow and other brain-health markers by using innovative magnetic resonance imaging techniques and assessing combinations of behaviours. The result will be a digital exercise programme that effectively prevents brain-related diseases.
Objective
Problem. Coronary heart disease (CHD) patients have a 45% higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Currently, there is no effective therapy to prevent or cure those brain-related diseases. Recent studies showed that physical activity is associated with better cognitive functioning and a risk reduction of cognitive impairment and dementia in the general population. However, studies in CHD patients are largely absent. Evidence about the brain-related health benefits of physical activity are mostly based on aerobic exercise, but recent studies showed that resistance exercise also provides potent health benefits. ART4Brain. The overall aim of the ART4Brain project is to explore the effect of exercise and physical activity on cerebral blood flow, as a potential mechanism of cognitive decline, and executive functioning in CHD patients. Physical activity levels can be an important target in the CHD population, since the prevalence of physical inactivity is high. Accordingly, I will study the following scientifically and clinically relevant objectives: 1. Examine the effects of aerobic vs resistance exercise on global cerebral blood flow and other brain health outcomes such as cerebral vascularisation, brain structure and function using innovative MRI techniques; 2. Examine the association of objectively assessed combinations of behaviours across the full physical activity spectrum (physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep) on executive functioning (cognitive flexibility, working memory, inhibitor control/attention); 3. Translate scientific knowledge into a digital exercise training program by visiting the commercial partner EXi. Relevance for science and candidate. I will use innovative approaches to investigate the potential of exercise and physical activity to improve brain-related outcomes in CHD patients. The studies and training are performed in a world-renowned research group, which will greatly expand my expertise and boost my scientific career.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
MSCA-PF - MSCA-PFCoordinator
18071 Granada
Spain