Synergistic effects of combined physical activity and brain training on neurological functions

Aging is a well-documented risk factor for cognitive decline and other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinsonism. Lifestyle factors, for example, staying physically and mentally active are associated with enhanced cognition and can lower the risk of certain neurological disorders including AD. In particular, both, physical and mental activities can modulate neuro-cognitive benefits via specific mechanisms that are directly linked to the classical pathological features of some neurological disorders. This chapter discusses the relationship between staying active and its association with brain health and cognition. The combined training mediated mechanisms are discussed in context to peripheral biomarkers, neurological functions, and brain structure. We conclude that combined physical and cognitive training can provide stronger cognitive benefits and could assist in slowing neurodegeneration. Clinical evidence is further required to show that this combined training can alter the disease trajectory in pathological cognitive decline such as that found in AD.