Edward Bliss

Cognitive decline is the primary symptom of dementia and is preceded by reduced brain blood vessel (i.e. cerebrovascular) function. Cerebrovascular dysfunction and cognitive decline are made worse by obesity and physical inactivity. These are increasingly prevalent in regional Australia and contribute to the rise in dementia, reducing quality of life of older adults. Despite physical activity being beneficial for cognition and cerebrovascular function, participation levels are sub-optimal, especially for muscle-strengthening exercises. 

This may be due factors such as cost, lack of gym facilities, and/or a lack of regard for the ability of the participant to perform specific exercises. Further, consumer and stakeholder engagement is not considered in the design of physical activity programs and these barriers may be overcome by co-designing physical activity programs. These barriers may be overcome by engaging consumers and stakeholders in the co-design and delivery of physical activity programs that aim to improve cerebrovascular function and cognition. Therefore, the team at University of Southern Queensland aim to undertake a pilot study that investigates the effects of a co-designed 16-week physical activity program that incorporates muscle-strengthening exercises in sedentary, obese, older regional adults who are at an increased risk of dementia. 

They hypothesise that a co-designed physical activity program will increase physical activity engagement and that muscle-strengthening exercises will increase cerebrovascular function and cognition. This pilot study will be the first regional Australian study to explore the use of a co-designed physical activity program in improving cognition and cerebrovascular function, thus providing a foundation for future use as a preventive treatment for dementia.

Dr Edward Bliss is a Senior Lecturer within the School of Health and Medical Sciences and Early Career Researcher affiliated with the Centre of Health Research at the University of Queensland. Dr Bliss is currently the Coordinator of the Bachelor Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway) and Associate Head of School of Health and Medical Sciences (Outreach and Engagement).