Using exercise and psychology to reduce dementia
Professor Eef Hogervorst and graduate Jordan Elliott-King explains how the research she conducted at Loughborough is helping to shape the provision of Physical Education in schools across the country.
Researchers at Loughborough University are undertaking world-leading health and neuroscience psychology projects, which investigate how exercise interventions throughout the life span can be used to both prevent, and slow down the effects of dementia.
At Loughborough University, we are committed to research that can be applied. We have created exercise programs that can promote memory and well-being, as well as developing dementia-friendly technology to enable people to exercise safely in their homes.
Super Movers
The Super Movers study is another of the projects that students have played a direct role in. Run alongside the BBC and Premier League, the project investigated the impact of physical activity on behaviour and classroom achievement.
It found that brain speed – the ability to process information and apply it to tasks – increased by up to 19% after exercise, while physical activity also significantly improved mood in all the children who exercised.
The research conducted now forms part of the teaching delivered on the Brain and Behaviour module, which students can choose to study in the second year of their Psychology degree.
We have also worked on several projects involving children and exercise, as prevention over the lifespan is the only cure for dementia at this point. Working with students in this research as collaborators and partners is crucial.
The benefits of exercise
Jordan Elliott-King supported Prof Hogervorst with the project while studying for a master’s degree, before later completing a PhD at Loughborough.
Her role in the research project involved administering cognitive assessments within primary schools, inputting and analysing cognitive data and sharing the findings with the pupils at the school.
I wanted to research the effects of exercise on educational capacity as I have always had a great interest in the benefits of exercise. My academic work had previously focused on cognitive psychology. This project, therefore, peaked two key interests for me and I was very excited to be able to get involved.
Through the research project we were able to demonstrate the difference between being active all day and being sedentary all day on the cognitive function of young children. The hope is now that the research informs the provision of Physical Education in schools across the country. By making exercise a habit among school children, we have the opportunity to benefit them now and throughout their lives.
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