Kenny Lopez
12/10/14
I selected the research article titled “Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory,” since it provided answers to my questions about Alzheimer’s disease. This article discusses the idea that as people age, the part of the brain that is responsible for forming, organizing, and storing our memories called the hippocampus, shrinks and deteriorates. As a result, people are susceptible to developing Dementia, which causes episodes of forgetfulness. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of Dementia. Another reason this article interested me is because I enjoy exercising and highly believe that everyone should exercise at any age. This research article reinforces my belief that physical …show more content…
Each group consisted of 60 adults. One group performed moderate to intense aerobic exercises three days a week, while the other group served as the control group and participated in a stretching and toning exercise regimen three days a week. The scientist hypothesized that after one year of performing moderate to intense aerobic exercises, the participant’s hippocampus would increase in size and spike an increase in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) resulting in improved memory function.
Each participant had to obtain consent from their personal physician before beginning any training programs. After consent was given, each participant underwent a cardio respiratory fitness test to measure his or her maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Participants walked on a treadmill, while a cardiologist and nurse continuously monitored their oxygen uptake, heart rate, and blood pressure. This information was used to set individual goals for each participant during their exercise …show more content…
First, magnetic resonance images and functional magnetic resonance images were collected on all participants within 1 month of starting their fitness program, after 6 month, and within 2 weeks of completion. Magnetic resonance imaging is effective in detecting brain abnormalities during the early stages of disease such as dementia, by analyzing white matter in the brain. White matter is tissue that contains nerve fibers directly responsible for proper function of the nervous system. Functional magnetic resonance imaging is used to study anatomical structure and measure tissue volume of the left and right hippocampus, caudate nucleus, and thalamus. The caudate nuclease aids in learning and memory and the thalamus, which is part of the limbic system, aids in sensory perception and regulation of motor functions. Secondly, blood was collected from each participant before beginning the program and immediately after completing the program. These blood samples were used to measure the amount of BDNF in serum. BDNF is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein found in the brain and spinal cord responsible for regulating synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory. Higher serum levels of BDNF are associated with both better memory function and larger hippocampal
12/10/14
I selected the research article titled “Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory,” since it provided answers to my questions about Alzheimer’s disease. This article discusses the idea that as people age, the part of the brain that is responsible for forming, organizing, and storing our memories called the hippocampus, shrinks and deteriorates. As a result, people are susceptible to developing Dementia, which causes episodes of forgetfulness. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common causes of Dementia. Another reason this article interested me is because I enjoy exercising and highly believe that everyone should exercise at any age. This research article reinforces my belief that physical …show more content…
Each group consisted of 60 adults. One group performed moderate to intense aerobic exercises three days a week, while the other group served as the control group and participated in a stretching and toning exercise regimen three days a week. The scientist hypothesized that after one year of performing moderate to intense aerobic exercises, the participant’s hippocampus would increase in size and spike an increase in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) resulting in improved memory function.
Each participant had to obtain consent from their personal physician before beginning any training programs. After consent was given, each participant underwent a cardio respiratory fitness test to measure his or her maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Participants walked on a treadmill, while a cardiologist and nurse continuously monitored their oxygen uptake, heart rate, and blood pressure. This information was used to set individual goals for each participant during their exercise …show more content…
First, magnetic resonance images and functional magnetic resonance images were collected on all participants within 1 month of starting their fitness program, after 6 month, and within 2 weeks of completion. Magnetic resonance imaging is effective in detecting brain abnormalities during the early stages of disease such as dementia, by analyzing white matter in the brain. White matter is tissue that contains nerve fibers directly responsible for proper function of the nervous system. Functional magnetic resonance imaging is used to study anatomical structure and measure tissue volume of the left and right hippocampus, caudate nucleus, and thalamus. The caudate nuclease aids in learning and memory and the thalamus, which is part of the limbic system, aids in sensory perception and regulation of motor functions. Secondly, blood was collected from each participant before beginning the program and immediately after completing the program. These blood samples were used to measure the amount of BDNF in serum. BDNF is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein found in the brain and spinal cord responsible for regulating synaptic plasticity, which is important for learning and memory. Higher serum levels of BDNF are associated with both better memory function and larger hippocampal