Cognitive function defines performance in objective tasks (e.g., memory, attention, and executive function) that require conscious mental effort. The decreased cognitive function has been suggested to be associated with the development of comorbid diseases, increased risk of dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases, and been considered a marker of preclinical disease. In recent years, scientists have shown growing interests in investigating the lifestyle factors which may ameliorate cognitive function, and in exploring the underlying neural mechanisms. Exercise has been suggested to be a modifiable lifestyle factor to maintain or improve cognitive function, prevent cognitive decline and/or the development of several neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is still unclear what kind of exercise may affect the cognitive function more significantly. More studies are still needed to investigate the optimal exercise mode, exercise intensity, and exercise frequency, as well as explore the potential mechanisms behind the changes of cognitive function. Besides exercise, nutrition is another important factor that may affect cognitive functions. For example, certain nutrients, such as amino acids, ginseng, tea, beetroot juice or capsaicin, may also promote neurocognitive health in various populations. However, so far, the combined effects of different exercise protocols and nutritional strategies on cognitive function are still unclear.
Therefore, in this Research Topic, we welcome submissions from authors working in different research areas, including exercise, nutrition, and cognition, to advance the knowledge and the practical implications in this field. Both original research and review articles are welcome.
Some potential themes of interest for this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:
- The acute and/or long-term effects of exercise or nutrition on cognitive function and health among general populations
- The potential mechanisms behind the benefits of exercise or nutrition on cognitive function in health promotion and performance improvement
- The combined effects of exercise and nutrition on cognitive function and exercise performance among elite athletes
- The interactive effects of exercise and nutrition on cognitive function
Cognitive function defines performance in objective tasks (e.g., memory, attention, and executive function) that require conscious mental effort. The decreased cognitive function has been suggested to be associated with the development of comorbid diseases, increased risk of dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases, and been considered a marker of preclinical disease. In recent years, scientists have shown growing interests in investigating the lifestyle factors which may ameliorate cognitive function, and in exploring the underlying neural mechanisms. Exercise has been suggested to be a modifiable lifestyle factor to maintain or improve cognitive function, prevent cognitive decline and/or the development of several neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is still unclear what kind of exercise may affect the cognitive function more significantly. More studies are still needed to investigate the optimal exercise mode, exercise intensity, and exercise frequency, as well as explore the potential mechanisms behind the changes of cognitive function. Besides exercise, nutrition is another important factor that may affect cognitive functions. For example, certain nutrients, such as amino acids, ginseng, tea, beetroot juice or capsaicin, may also promote neurocognitive health in various populations. However, so far, the combined effects of different exercise protocols and nutritional strategies on cognitive function are still unclear.
Therefore, in this Research Topic, we welcome submissions from authors working in different research areas, including exercise, nutrition, and cognition, to advance the knowledge and the practical implications in this field. Both original research and review articles are welcome.
Some potential themes of interest for this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:
- The acute and/or long-term effects of exercise or nutrition on cognitive function and health among general populations
- The potential mechanisms behind the benefits of exercise or nutrition on cognitive function in health promotion and performance improvement
- The combined effects of exercise and nutrition on cognitive function and exercise performance among elite athletes
- The interactive effects of exercise and nutrition on cognitive function