Physical and Mental Activity

Nota:

• rubbish powerpoint boring do reading again

1. why should physical fitness influence age differences in cognition?
   1. higher aerobic condition = greater cardiovascular efficiency
   2. oxygen in the brain
      1. utilisation of glucose
      2. synthesis of neurotransmitters
   3. cortical blood flow reduced by up to 30% with age
   4. 17% decrease in prefrontal cortex neural volume between 20 and 80 years
   5. high level of aerobic fitness may help age related reductions in blood flow and neural volumes
      1. leading to higher cognitive function
   6. evidence from high altitude studies - reduced O2 showed reduction in cognitive performance
   7. inconsistent findings
2. what is physical fitness?
   1. aerobic fitness
      1. jogging, football, swimming etc
   2. measured through VO2 max
      1. index of the ability of cardiovascular system to deliver blood and oxygen to muscles etc
3. theoretical background
4. leisure activities and intellectual pursuits
   1. social networks
   2. leisure activities
   3. physical activities
   4. use it or lose it hypothesis
   5. protect against AD and dementia in later life