Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHS) reported that in 1991, an alarming 34.5% of individual's aged 85 and over were demented [Lindsay, Sykes, McDowell, Verreault, Laurin, 2004]. The cost of dementia was estimated to be $3.9 billion annually. Considering the ageing population, it is crucial that affordable methods to promote cognitive health in the elderly are identified. Physical activity (PA) is comparably low cost and considerably more effective than other methods (e.g. brain training games, supplements) of cognitive enhancement [Kramer & Erickson, 2007]. I will analyze various data sets that follow large groups of individuals over time, in order to shed light on how PA and cognitive decline (CD) are related as people age.Generally, studies that use only one time point, or implement an exercise program in elderly adults have reported that PA does reduce CD [Blondell, Hammersley-Mather, 2014].In order to better understand this relationship, longitudinal data (i.e. data that measures the same group of people, over time) is required. This type of data enables analysis that inform how the two variables change together, at what rate, and in what direction [Morgan et al., 2012]. Furthermore, by exploring the data ofindividuals at different time points, it is possible to discern protective effects of PA in delaying the onset of CD [de Bruijn et al., 2013].This information will add novel and crucial information to the literature regarding lifestyle and ageing. This type of research is crucial in order to understand how a cost effective method, such as PA, can influence CD so that recommendations for intervention can be made.