Non-Pharmacological Exercise Randomized Controlled Trials in Alzheimer's Disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses a significant global health challenge.
• Physical inactivity is a prevalent modifiable risk factor for AD development.
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive decline are hallmarks of AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on exercise responses in pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease.
• To summarize the effects of long-term exercise on cognitive performance and neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD.
• To identify knowledge gaps and provide recommendations for future research.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing research on exercise interventions in AD.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding exercise's impact on cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
• Expert-led summary and identification of research barriers.

Main Results:

• Long-term exercise therapy may enhance cerebral blood flow, increase hippocampal volume, and promote neurogenesis.
• Higher physical activity levels are linked to a reduced risk of developing AD.
• Exercise demonstrates benefits for cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD patients, with better adherence and fewer side effects than pharmacotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Exercise is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for managing AD symptoms.
• Further research is needed to optimize exercise protocols and address implementation barriers.
• Recommendations are provided for designing future randomized trials in exercise and AD.