Descrizione del progetto
Esercizi innovativi per il cervello che invecchia
È un dato di fatto che il nostro cervello invecchia, provocando un declino cognitivo e mettendo gli anziani a maggior rischio di malattie neurodegenerative e demenza. L’invecchiamento è il principale fattore di rischio della maggior parte delle malattie neurodegenerative, tra cui l’Alzheimer e il Parkinson, e i trattamenti mancano. Tuttavia, i comprovati benefici dell’attività fisica per la salute del cervello offrono nuove soluzioni. In questo contesto, il progetto ART4Brain, finanziato dall’UE, combinerà approcci innovativi per ricercare la possibilità di utilizzare l’attività fisica allo scopo di migliorare i risultati correlati al cervello nei pazienti con cardiopatia coronarica. ART4Brain studierà gli effetti di esercizi aerobici/di resistenza sul flusso ematico cerebrale e su altri indicatori di salute cerebrale utilizzando tecniche innovative di risonanza magnetica e valutando combinazioni di comportamenti. Il risultato sarà un programma di esercizi digitali che previene efficacemente le malattie correlate al cervello.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
Programma(i)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Meccanismo di finanziamento
MSCA-PF - MSCA-PFCoordinatore
18071 Granada
Spagna