DLR Marker

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) promote cell survival, regulate synaptic plasticity and stimulate neurogenesis in the adult brain. Impaired 5-HT and/or BDNF signaling play important roles in the pathogenesis of diverse age-related disorders (e.g. dementia). Recently, several studies have documented increased levels of BDNF mRNA and BDNF protein, as well as enhanced 5-HT signaling in various brain structures after acute physical exercise suggesting that exercise could be a crucial stimulus in order to maintain brain health. The present work will focus on the relationship between longterm physical exercise, brain electrical activity and genetic aspects of the BDNF and the 5-HT systems in the elderly. In addition to BDNF and 5-HT changes, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, as an exceptionally good measure of psychophysiological state, is also altered after acute bouts of exercise. So far, no attempts have been to examine the relationship between exercise-induced metabolic changes and modulations in brain electrical activity.