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Moderate- to high-intensity exercise does not modify cortical β-amyloid in Alzheimer's disease
Kristian S Frederiksen1, Karine Madsen2,3, Birgitte B Andersen1
1Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Introduction:
Animal models of Alzheimer's disease show that exercise may modify β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition. We examined the effect of a 16-week exercise intervention on cortical Aβ in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Methods:
Thirty-six patients with Alzheimer's disease were randomized to either one hour of aerobic exercise three times weekly for 16 weeks or usual care. Pre and post intervention, 11Carbon-Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography was carried out to assess cortical Aβ, and quantified using standardized uptake value rations (SUVRs).
Results:
The intervention showed no effect on follow-up SUVRs in a covariance analysis with group allocation, baseline intervention SUVR, age, sex, and baseline Mini-Mental State Examination as predictors. Change in SUVRs did not correlate with changes in measures of physical or aerobic fitness.
Discussion:
The present findings do not support an effect of exercise on Aβ. However, the relatively short intervention period may account for a lack of efficacy. Further studies should test earlier and longer interventions.