In the last few decades, the world has undergone profound demographic
changes, reflected in life expectancy. We live for much longer, but we cannot say that
these growing years are directly proportional to the quality of life. Dementia, in its
different aetiologies, is more and more frequent with a consequent decline in the
quality of life. However, cognitive decline and the onset of dementia may be delayed
with the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and therapeutic combinations that use nonpharmacological
approaches such as activity and physical exercise. This chapter
integrates a thorough review of the literature that characterizes ageing, cognitive
decline and dementia, and it summarizes scientific evidence on the effects of physical
activity on cognitive functions. Finally, recommendations are presented on the
prescription of exercise for older people and elderly people with dementia. It is known
that there are direct benefits (action on neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters,
among others), as well as indirect ones such as those resulting from a better
vascularization of the brain. However, physical exercise requires precautions related to
the conditions inherent to normal and pedagogical ageing. It is possible to perform
adapted physical activity resulting from the coordination of sports and health
professionals, knowledgeable of the needs and idiosyncrasies of the elderly, with
cognitive decline or dementia.
Keywords: Cognitive decline, Dementia, Elderly, Physical exercise.
