The second session of the lunch-meetings NeuroSeS (Translation Neuroscience) took place on May 14 and was attended by 60 people.

The discussion topic was “Does physical exercise improve cognition? – Methodological challenges of clinical trials” presented by neurologist Ana Verdelho:

1)  Recent data on the evolution of the European ageing population (OCDE 2019) were presented, as well as its potential repercussion in the evolution of dementia. While there is no curing treatment for dementia in sight for the next few decades, recent publications have suggested the prevention of neuronal lesion throughout human ageing as a potentially beneficial measure.

2)  Physical activity and exercising have come up as an accessible and promising intervention in the prevention of several pathologies, namely cardiovascular pathologies and vascular risk factors and promoting a general and physical well-being, whether by direct or indirect effects. Whether physical activity directly promotes an improvement in cognition or reduces the progression of dementia is an issue that has started many debates in the last two decades. Observational studies have registered a beneficial effect of physical activity in preventing dementia and cognitive decline. Randomised studies, however, have produced less consensual results. There are several methodological limitations in clinical trials with physical intervention. The concept of physical intervention and its physical activity or physical exercise varieties were discussed.

3)  The AFIVASC study (Physical activity and vascular cognitive impairment – a randomised study) was presented, which is an initiative of the investigator and is taking place at IMM (with FCT financing), and has the collaboration of ISAMB, the Lisbon Faculty of Medicine, the Human Motricity Faculty of the UL and the Santo António Hospital, in Porto. A sub-study of the AFIVASC was also presented, done with assessment of an acute intervention with physical exercise, and a cognitive and imagery assessment immediately after the intervention.

The topic was discussed during the session, which was greatly enriched by the various investigators present, among which were investigators of fundamental sciences and from different medical areas, as well as neuroscience physicians and students of various academic levels.

Additional information sources:

• Livingston G et al Dementia prevention, intervention and care. Lancet 2017;390: 2673-734.
• Verdelho A et al Physical activity prevents progression for cognitive impairment and vascular dementia: results from the LADIS (Leukoaraiosis and Disability) study. Stroke. 2012
• Guure CB, Ibrahim NA, Adam MB, Said SM. Impact of Physical Activity on Cognitive Decline, Dementia, and Its Subtypes: Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. Biomed Res Int. 2017
• Lamb SE, Sheehan B, Atherton N, Nichols V, Collins H, Mistry D, et al. Dementia And Physical Activity (DAPA) trial of moderate to high intensity exercise training for people with dementia: randomised controlled trial. The BMJ. 2018;361:k1675
• De Vilhena e Santos et al. Genetics of physical activity and physical inactivity in humans. Behav Genet. 2012
• Gomes-Osman J et al. Exercise for cognitive brain health in ageing: A systematic review for an evaluation of dose. Neurology. Clinical Practice 2018
• Verdelho A et al. Impact of physical activity in vascular cognitive impairment (AFIVASC): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials. 2019

Ana Verdelho, MD, PhD

Neurologist

CHULN/FMUL/IMM

Luísa Lopes and Cláudia Faria are responsible for organising these meetings, with the support of Roche.