Does Exercise Impact Cognitive Performance in Community-dwelling Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment? A Systematic Review

The US population of persons 65 years older or older is expected to increase substantially in upcoming decades, moving from 43 million to 92 million by the year 2060.1 The prevalence of dementia and other cognitive disorders is predicted to rise substantially. Major population-based studies reported an average prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of 18.9%. 2-7 The average incidence rates are 47.9 (range 21.5-71.3) per 1000 person-years.8 Older adults who present with MCI have a greater risk of developing dementia, with a conversion rate of 10%-40% per year to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).6 With a worldwide ageing population, the societal impact of MCI is rising. So far, there is no pharmacological treatment to slow the progression or reverse MCI.6 Given the high prevalence rate and conversion rate to dementia, identifying effective nonpharmacological approaches to maintain or improve cognition is urgent to control the epidemic of dementia.