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Exercise training improves vascular function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Anna Pedrinolla1, Massimo Venturelli2,3, Cristina Fonte1,4
1Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Via Casorati 43, 37131, Verona, Italy.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|July 31, 2020
Summary
Exercise training significantly improved vascular function and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This suggests exercise may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for managing vascular dysfunction in AD patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Gerontology
Background:
- Vascular dysfunction is a recognized issue in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Exercise is known to have beneficial effects on vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a structured exercise program on vascular function in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
- To assess exercise-induced changes in peripheral vascular function markers and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Main Methods:
- Thirty-nine AD patients were randomized into an exercise training (EX) group or a control (CTRL) group for 6 months.
- Vascular function was assessed using passive-leg movement (PLM) tests and flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
- Blood samples were analyzed for VEGF; arterial blood flow (BF) and shear rate (SR) were measured during sessions.
Main Results:
- The EX group showed significant improvements in FMD (%), PLM (∆peak and AUC), and VEGF levels.
- No significant changes in vascular function or VEGF were observed in the CTRL group.
- Exercise sessions led to increased arterial blood flow (BF) and shear rate (SR) in the EX group.
Conclusions:
- Exercise training effectively enhances peripheral vascular function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- The observed improvements may be linked to increased shear rate during exercise, promoting nitric oxide (NO) and VEGF upregulation.
- Incorporating exercise into standard AD clinical practice could be an effective strategy for addressing vascular dysfunction.
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