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Review
. 2023 Jan 6:14:1028822.
doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1028822. eCollection 2022.

Mitigating effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild cognitive impairment in the elderly

Xin Wang  1 , Keyi Si  2 , Wei Gu  1 , Xueqiang Wang  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Mitigating effects and mechanisms of Tai Chi on mild cognitive impairment in the elderly

Xin Wang et al. Front Aging Neurosci. .

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a major public health concern that endangers health and decreases the quality of life of the elderly around the world. A recent clinical guideline has recommended regular exercise (twice per week) for patients with MCI as part of an overall approach to management. Tai Chi, a form of light-to-moderate-intensity mind-body exercise, is particularly suitable for seniors. This review aims to summarize epidemiological studies related to the effects of Tai Chi on symptom remission in older adults with MCI and reveal the potential mechanisms. Evidence suggested that Tai Chi can improve cognitive functions and alleviate the accompanying symptoms of MCI in the elderly potentially by activating the expression of signals in different brain regions, altering their connectivity, increasing the brain volume, and modulating brain-derived neurotropic and inflammation factors. Studies comparing various types of Tai Chi may contribute to the identification of paradigms that have appropriate intensities and difficulty and exert good effects on older people with MCI. In addition, studies are warranted to determine the frequency and duration of training that can optimize the beneficial effects of Tai Chi on MCI.

Keywords: Tai Chi; cognitive function; elderly; mechanism; mild cognitive impairment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Classification and symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The potential benefits of Tai Chi on the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment in the elderly.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The brain function mechanisms of the Tai Chi treatment for mild cognitive dysfunction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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