Neurodegenerative diseases are a prevalent concern among the elderly population, with roughly 16% of people aged 60 and above having either Parkinson's disease (PD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). These diseases can cause symptoms such as memory loss, chronic stress, tremors, and a loss of motor control. A main component in neurodegenerative diseases is neuroinflammation, which can contribute to many of the symptoms that occur. Neuroinflammation causes a buildup of protein aggregates and slows down processes within the brain. Some of these aggregates include the proteins Tau and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha. Cortisol is another factor related to neuroinflammation. Cortisol suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory proteins, but during periods of chronic stress, cortisol levels remain elevated, and, over time, cells can become resistant to the hormone's anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to neuroinflammation.
Regular, moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to have a multitude of positive effects, including improved circulation and anti-inflammatory processes. A novel approach to increasing exercise in elderly adults utilizes the Interactive Physical and Cognitive Exercises (iPACES) program. Participants are provided with a stationary bike that has a screen where memory games can be played. The concept is that the combined mental and physical exercise will have a positive effect on the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. In an attempt to understand the effect of exercising while participating in mental exercises, dried blood spots (DBS) were provided by research participants for the purpose of measuring cortisol levels as well as other biomarkers of neuroinflammation. Tau and TNF-α were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays, and cortisol was quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS).
Blood spots will be collected from participants 3 times throughout their completion of the iPACEs program, and, using this new protocol, we will be able to measure cortisol, Tau, and TNF-α levels before, in the middle of, and after completion of the program. This should provide information about how exercise and memory games impact cortisol levels and potentially help develop a greater understanding of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases.
Acknowledgements: NINDS SBIR awarded 2023-'26 (R44 NS132690) for R&D and forthcoming clinical trial of iPACES for Parkinson's Union College Office of Undergraduate Research
Union College Undergraduate Research Summer Fellowship and Grant Union College Faculty Grant