Researchers divided the participants into two groups: one group of 16 adults averaging 63 years of age, and a control group of 19 adults with the mean age of 67. The brain images were compared using conventional and biomechanical metrics to measure the changes in brain volume and shape. In both the aerobic and the control group, researchers noticed a volume increase in most gray matter areas of the brain, including the temporal lobe, which is responsible for short-term memory.
Key Takeaways:
- MCI often leads to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Some studies have shown that 80 percent of patients with MCI have developed AD after 6 years.
- In both the aerobic and the control group, researchers noticed a volume increase in most gray matter areas of the brain, including the temporal lobe, which is responsible for short-term memory.
- Kim explains that the treatment of AD and MCI requires tracking changes in the brain while patients undergo changes in diet and exercise. Therefore, both MRI measures are important to the treatment of these conditions.
“Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to the slightly decreased cognitive abilities in individuals of 65 years of age and over.”
