Introduction:

The deterioration of cognition is highly predominant in older adults.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a walking program on the cognition and blood concentration of lipids in women over 60 years of age who were being treated with lovastatin.

Materials and methods:

Participants were distributed in two groups: An exercise group (EG, n=45) with aerobic training and an inactive sedentary group (SG, n=22). The cognitive state of the subjects was assessed through the Spanish Mini-Cog Test version of the MMSE; lipoproteins were quantified using a lipid profile test, and the cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using the six-minute walking test (6MWT).

Results:

EG showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in cardiorespiratory fitness and in HDL-C concentrations. Furthermore, the results from the cognition tests showed a large effect size in spatial orientation and in and calculation. The decrease in LDL-C was not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

A controlled and progressive walking program for older women treated with Lovastatin may induce a boost of brain activity linked to HDL-C, which could delay cognitive impairment.

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