Comparison of various exercise interventions on cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients: A network meta-analysis

Exercise helps enhance cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients, although the most effective forms of exercise remain unknown.

This network meta-analysis was registered in INPLASY (INPLASY202330066). According to predetermined criteria, this investigation comprised randomized controlled studies involving exercise therapies in people with Alzheimer's disease. The exercise intervention was ranked using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and mean ranking, with the critical goal outcomes being overall cognition, executive function, and memory function.

Resistance exercise is the most likely strategy to be beneficial for slowing down overall cognitive function loss in Alzheimer's patients (72.4%). Additionally, multi-component exercise was the most effective way to improve executive function (30.4%). The only type of exercise that significantly affects memory function is resistance exercise. Memory is the cognitive function that is least responsive to exercise.

Resistance exercise may be an efficient intervention for overall cognitive function decline in patients with Alzheimer's and conjointly for their memory function. Multi-component exercise is more effective in improving executive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.