The role of physical activity in preserving physical and cognitive health for people living with younger-onset dementia

Younger-onset dementia is the diagnosis of any form of dementia prior to
the age of 65. Despite several key differences between younger-onset and
late-onset dementia, one of the primary arguments to individualise these
populations is the stage of life at diagnosis. People with younger-onset
dementia are more likely to be involved with family, employment and social
responsibilities and are hypothesised to be more physically active and
capable. Physical activity has been identified as a lifestyle intervention
known to preserve physical function and improve neurocognition through
combination of behavioural, structural and functional adaptations to the
brain, among both healthy individuals and similar clinical populations.
Although the role of physical activity for improving brain health has been
explored among some healthy and clinical populations, there is currently no
empirical evidence that has investigated people living with younger-onset
dementia. Given their unique challenges there is a need for research that
investigates the unique role that physical activity may play in improving
physical and brain health for people living with younger-onset dementia.
This PhD research will provide foundational research that investigates the
role of physical activity for people living with younger-onset dementia, by
understanding their perceptions, as well as investigating how physical
activity may assist in preserving brain health. Furthermore, this research
will contribute to the development of more specific evidence-based health
recommendations with the goal of optimising health outcomes, and
preserving quality of life for people with younger-onset dementia.