Effect of Combination of Heart Exercise and Anagram Cognitive Training on Cognitive Function in Indonesian Elderly: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background: A person is increasingly at risk for cognitive function decline with increasing age. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine levels are thought to correlate with cognitive function. A combination intervention may more effective at increasing cognitive function than single intervention. This study aims to evaluate the effect of heart exercise and anagram training combination on cognitive function, BDNF, and dopamine levels in the elderly over 12 weeks. Methods: We conducted a preliminary study using a quasi-experimental study. Twenty elderly participants were included in a combined intervention group (10 participant) to join heart exercise and anagram cognitive training three times a week for 12 weeks, and in a single intervention group to join anagram cognitive training (N=10). Outcomes were measured 12 months after the intervention. Outcome measures included cognitive function, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and dopamine levels. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Results: Both groups demonstrated a significant cognitive improvement before and after intervention (p < 0.05), but the combined intervention group showed significantly greater improvement than the single intervention group (p = 0.001). No significant improvements in BDNF or dopamine levels were observed among the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A combination of anagram cognitive training and heart exercise was found to significantly improve cognitive function levels in elderly participants, but not their BDNF or dopamine levels.