White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a risk factor for cognitive decline. Physical activity (PA) is associated with lower WMH. Whether long-term exposure to PA programs has beneficial effects on WMH progression in older adults with memory complaints and comorbid conditions has had limited exploration. This study explored whether a 24-month moderate-intensity PA intervention can delay the progression of WMH and hippocampus loss in older adults at risk for cognitive decline. Data acquired on magnetic resonance imaging were used to measure the progression of WMH and hippocampus loss. The results of this study showed no effect of intervention on either the primary outcome measure "WMH" or the secondary outcome measure "hippocampal volume." In addition, neither beta amyloid status nor the adherence to the intervention had any effect on the outcome. In this cohort of subjective memory complaints and mild cognitive impairment participants with vascular risk factors, there was no effect of long-term moderate-intensity PA on WMH or hippocampal loss.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	cognitive impairment, physical activity, hippocampal loss, white matter hyperintensity, intervention
Research Division:	Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Research Group:	Neurosciences
Research Field:	Neurosciences not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical health
Objective Field:	Clinical health not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Sharman, MJ (Dr Matt Sharman)
ID Code:	136551
Year Published:	2019
Funding Support:	National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1005942)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	7
Deposited By:	Health Sciences
Deposited On:	2020-01-07
Last Modified:	2020-03-30
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