Aerobic exercises and the MIND diet promote cognitive health in postmenopausal women

Cognitive problems present a serious risk for older adults ranging from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. More than 45 million people globally suffer from dementia, with women representing about 75% of diagnosed cases. Such imbalance was linked to the decrease in sex hormones after menopause. 

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Sex hormones are extensively distributed in brain cells, where they influence memory, emotional and rewarding circuits. Specifically, estrogen induces the synthesis of neurotrophins (a family of proteins that regulate the functionality of neurons), enhances blood flow, and manifests anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects on brain tissues. There is a need for safe and non-invasive interventions able to counteract the harmful effects of a decrease in sex hormones and protect brain health during aging.

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The cornerstones behind cognitive decline prevention are regular exercise and a healthy diet. Aerobic exercises were shown to have multiple cognitive benefits, including increasing gray matter volume, enhancing neuroplasticity, and increasing the release of neurotransmitters and neurotrophins. The diet with the particular benefits for cognitive function is the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, which was based on the traditional Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approach to Systolic Hypertension) diets. 

Elsayed et al. conducted a randomized clinical trial with the aim to study the effects of aerobic exercise and the MIND diet on postmenopausal women. The study included 68 women in the postmenopausal stage suffering from MCI, whose ages ranged from 60 to 75 years. All participants were obeseand led a sedentary lifestyle. An experimental group followed moderate-intensity treadmill exercise three times per week for three months with the MIND diet, while a control group followed the MIND diet only.

In pre- and post-study assessments, researchers measured serum sex hormones levels, cognitive, and functional parameters. Cognitive function measurement used two rate-based scales – RUDAS (Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale) and FIM (Functional Independence Measure). RUDAS scale rates visuoconstructive praxis, verbal memory, motor praxis, visuospatial orientation, language, and judgment. FIM scale estimates the individual day-to-day activity performance, such as social cognition, self-care, locomotion, sphincter control, transfers, and communication. In both groups, there were statistically significant differences in pre- and postintervention measurements of body mass index (BMI), weight, hormone levels, and cognitive function scores. Weight and correspondingly BMI lowered, while sex hormone binding globulin and cognitive function (both RUDAS and FIM) increased. Also, a significant difference was detected between both groups, with the experimental group reaching a more pronounced improvement in the overall state and cognitive function.

The authors point toward the limitations of the study, such as that no women with cardiovascular disorders were included. Nevertheless, even in need of additional data, these results appear to be promising. Employing aerobic exercises combined with the MIND diet may help postmenopausal women to substitute hormone deficiency and improve cognitive state and health.

Source: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

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