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Background: Stroke is a major cause of permanent disability in multiple functions, including the cognitive domain. Since both cognitive training and aerobic physical exercise may exert positive effects on cognition after stroke, one may expect synergistic benefits when combining both interventions. Methods: We carried out a systematic search of studies testing, in adult stroke patients, whether structured aerobic exercise combined with cognitive training led to higher cognitive benefits than either of these interventions when applied singly, or than interventions not including aerobic exercise or cognitive training. Results: Five fair-quality randomized controlled trials fulfilled the search criteria. Exercise intensity was moderate-vigorous and cognitive training was mainly computer-based. The studies were heterogeneous regarding the cognitive tests used, and for this reason, a meta-analysis was not performed. Only three studies included follow-up assessment. The combined intervention was associated with pre-post improvement in at least one cognitive test in all the studies, and with higher positive effects compared to other conditions (although statistical significance was not always reached) in four studies. Conclusions: Further trials including a long-term follow-up and comprehensive neuropsychological testing should be undertaken to determine whether combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training leads to additive cognitive benefits after stroke.

Background: Dementia is a global public health problem. Drugs for this indication have shown limited benefit. The aim of the present study is to synthesize and analyze the available scientific evidence about effectiveness of interventions on diet and / or physical exercise by considering cognitive function as an outcome measure, in people over 45 years of age with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in their evolution to Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: A bibliographic search of randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyzes published from May 2008 to May 2019 was carried out in the Medline and The Cochrane Library databases. A total of 169 publications were identified, of which 42 studies that fulfilled inclusion criteria were reviewed. Results: It was found that scheduled physical exercise of moderate-high intensity, performed 3 to 5 days a week, following a dietary pattern such as Mediterranean diet or DASH diet improve overall cognitive function in subjects with MCI. The results are enhanced when the studies combine both interventions and include cognitive stimulation exercises, allowing increasing the functionality of the subjects. Conclusions: Intervention on modifiable factors such as physical exercise and diet provides cognitive protection in subjects with MCI, improving their quality of life, functionality and independence. The heterogeneity of the studies makes it difficult to draw up more concrete recommendations., Fundamentos: La demencia es un problema de salud pública global. Actualmente, los fármacos han mostrado un beneficio limitado. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar y sintetizar los estudios que evalúen la efectividad de una intervención sobre el ejercicio físico y/o la dieta considerando la función cognitiva como medida de resultado, en sujetos mayores de 45 años con deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL) y sin diagnóstico de enfermedad de Alzheimer. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, revisiones sistemáticas y meta-análisis publicados desde mayo de 2008 hasta mayo de 2019 en las bases de datos Medline y The Cochrane Library. Se identificaron un total de 169 publicaciones, de las cuales se revisaron 42 estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión propuestos. Resultados: Se encontró que el ejercicio físico programado, realizado entre 3 y 5 días a la semana, de una intensidad moderada-alta y el consumo de alimentos de acuerdo a un patrón como la dieta mediterránea o la dieta DASH mejora la función cognitiva global en sujetos con DCL. Los resultados se potencian cuando los estudios combinan ambas intervenciones e incluyen ejercicios de estimulación cognitiva, permitiendo aumentar la funcionalidad de los sujetos. Conclusiones: La intervención sobre factores modificables como el ejercicio físico y la dieta aporta una protección cognitiva en sujetos con DCL mejorando su calidad de vida, funcionalidad e independencia. La heterogeneidad de los estudios dificulta la extracción de recomendaciones concretas.