The role of exercise for prevention and treatment of depression and cognitive decline in the elderly

Abstract

› Depression and dementia disorders are associated with cardiovascular and somatic co-morbidities, which are closely related to physical inactivity. › Physical exercise can improve these cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities. In addition, physical activity and training are effective in the prevention and treatment of affective and cognitive disorders. These effects were also found in the elderly. › Because of limited effectiveness and tolerance of pharmacological standard treatment options, the relevance of physical exercise as a therapeutic tool should be recognized. In a multifactorial way psychological, neurobiological as general somatic (e.g. cardiovascular and metabolic) aspects are involved in the effectiveness of exercise on brain structure and function. › Hence assessment of exercise habits and individual recommendations for physical activity should be implemented as a standard procedure in the therapy of affective disorders and dementia, beginning as early as possible but also at higher ages.