Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies – A Narrative Review
Zbigniew Jost,1 Sylwester Kujach2,3 1Department of Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland; 2Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland; 3Department of Physiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandCor...
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Dove Medical Press
2025-04-01
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| author | Jost Z Kujach S |
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| description | Zbigniew Jost,1 Sylwester Kujach2,3 1Department of Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland; 2Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland; 3Department of Physiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandCorrespondence: Zbigniew Jost, Email Zbigniew.jost@awf.gda.plAbstract: Cognitive decline is a natural process that accompanies aging. In some cases, such as in sarcopenia-burdened or diseased older adults, the disease course may be more rapid. Declining cognitive function is associated with changes in the central nervous system per se or peripheral triggers that impair cognition. This review discusses issues related to central, central-peripheral, and peripheral factors that enhance cognitive deterioration, such as cortical thickness, cerebral white matter structure and function, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, insulin resistance, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. BBB permeability appears to be a critical point for factors associated with aging that may accelerate cognitive decline. Thus, we provide an in-depth analysis of the central-peripheral crosstalk. Additionally, we discuss high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as a promising strategy to counteract changes that accompany the aging process. Resistance (RHIIT) and aerobic (AHIIT) may be beneficial for cognitive health among the elderly, but their lack of empirical confirmation is a huge gap in the research.Keywords: aging, adipose tissue, central nervous system, cognition, exercise, inflammation |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9389c49212a44d33b4fc589df4ff4151 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1178-1998 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Dove Medical Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Clinical Interventions in Aging |
| spelling | doaj-art-9389c49212a44d33b4fc589df4ff41512025-08-20T03:10:39ZengDove Medical PressClinical Interventions in Aging1178-19982025-04-01Volume 20459469102110Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies – A Narrative ReviewJost ZKujach SZbigniew Jost,1 Sylwester Kujach2,3 1Department of Biochemistry, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland; 2Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland; 3Department of Physiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandCorrespondence: Zbigniew Jost, Email Zbigniew.jost@awf.gda.plAbstract: Cognitive decline is a natural process that accompanies aging. In some cases, such as in sarcopenia-burdened or diseased older adults, the disease course may be more rapid. Declining cognitive function is associated with changes in the central nervous system per se or peripheral triggers that impair cognition. This review discusses issues related to central, central-peripheral, and peripheral factors that enhance cognitive deterioration, such as cortical thickness, cerebral white matter structure and function, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, insulin resistance, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. BBB permeability appears to be a critical point for factors associated with aging that may accelerate cognitive decline. Thus, we provide an in-depth analysis of the central-peripheral crosstalk. Additionally, we discuss high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as a promising strategy to counteract changes that accompany the aging process. Resistance (RHIIT) and aerobic (AHIIT) may be beneficial for cognitive health among the elderly, but their lack of empirical confirmation is a huge gap in the research.Keywords: aging, adipose tissue, central nervous system, cognition, exercise, inflammationhttps://www.dovepress.com/understanding-cognitive-decline-in-aging-mechanisms-and-mitigation-str-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIAagingadipose tissuecentral nervous systemcognitionexerciseinflammation |
| spellingShingle | Jost Z Kujach S Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies – A Narrative Review Clinical Interventions in Aging aging adipose tissue central nervous system cognition exercise inflammation |
| title | Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies – A Narrative Review |
| title_full | Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies – A Narrative Review |
| title_fullStr | Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies – A Narrative Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies – A Narrative Review |
| title_short | Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging: Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies – A Narrative Review |
| title_sort | understanding cognitive decline in aging mechanisms and mitigation strategies ndash a narrative review |
| topic | aging adipose tissue central nervous system cognition exercise inflammation |
| url | https://www.dovepress.com/understanding-cognitive-decline-in-aging-mechanisms-and-mitigation-str-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIA |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT jostz understandingcognitivedeclineinagingmechanismsandmitigationstrategiesndashanarrativereview AT kujachs understandingcognitivedeclineinagingmechanismsandmitigationstrategiesndashanarrativereview |