Critique 1
Erickson et al., (2009)

In the National Institute Of Health (2009) article “Aerobic Fitness is Associated With Hippocampal Volume in Elderly Humans” authors Kirk Erikson et al., illustrates how hippocampal decay occurs in elderly persons with or without dementia. However, the degree of decay is based on an individual level. The paper discusses factors that can contribute to prevention of decay through lifestyle changes. With an elderly individual exercise is the key factor in reducing the risk of dementia, in particular aerobic exercises. The study examines the benefits of aerobic exercises in regards to hippocampal volume and spatial memory performance compared to lower level fitness. An increase in hippocampus volume means an overall better capacity for memory function. In this study 165 nondemented individuals we're examined through magnetic resonance images to test for higher levels of functioning in the brain. Also, tested was whether hippocampal volume mediates the correlation between fitness and spatial memory performance. They hypothesized that individuals with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness would have greater hippocampal volume even after adjusting for confounding variables.

Today with the increasing amount of people living longer than life expectancy, it is a growing concern how economically we will be able to financially afford to support the elderly. It is important to research areas in which we can prevent the deterioration of brain functions in order to allow senior citizens to live productive lives longer. The overall objective of this study was to examine the relationship between higher levels of fitness in the prevention and reduction of dementia. This article was clearly explained and the overall objective successful. The researchers achieved their aim by supporting the accuracy of their hypothesize. Their work was carried out appropriately and considered confounding variables that could interfere with the study such as; age, sex, and years of education. The article does however; state that higher level of fitness shows larger hippocampal volume in earlier age, which prevents the decay or deterioration later in life rather than when an individual is already advanced in age. The article is easy to follow along with and understand through current research methods. The spatial memory task was interesting and easy to understand for the participants it evaluated. Adequate amounts of tests were performed to test for completeness and accuracy. It is surprising however, that years of education proved to be nonsignificant of additional variance in volume, considering how current research states otherwise. The article clearly helps the reader to understand the importance of higher levels of exercise at an earlier age in order to prevent later decay of important brain functions. The statistical data shown within this study is of accuracy and significant value to the findings of their work. The article points out that more research needs to be considered for understanding which aspects of history or neurochemistry the volumetric measures. Some statistical data was lost through computer errors which was concerning as far as the accuracy of all future data input. However, with only four participants affected by computer errors, 161 remained accessible for research and statistical input. The authors built a logical argument that leads the reader to arrive at the same conclusion. I agree with the article and support that higher fitness levels can prevent decay in the hippocampus. I would be interested in reading future studies regarding this area.
Reference
Erickson, K. I., Prakash, R. S., Voss, M. V., Chaddock, L., Hu, L., Morris, K. S. et al. (2009). Aerobic fitness is associated with hippocampal volume in elderly humans. Hippocampus, 19(10), 1030–1039.