Physical Activity, Alzheimer Plasma Biomarkers, and Cognition
Seung Ae Kim1,2, Daeun Shin3, Hongki Ham3,4,5,6
1Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
JAMA Network Open
|March 5, 2025
Summary
Regular physical activity (PA) is linked to lower levels of key Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is a potential non-pharmacological intervention for dementia prevention.
- The relationship between PA and Alzheimer's disease (AD) plasma biomarkers is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between physical activity levels, plasma biomarkers (Aβ42/40, ptau217, GFAP, NfL), and cognitive function.
- To explore these associations in individuals with and without cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 1144 participants from South Korean memory clinics.
- Physical activity assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized into quartiles.
- Plasma biomarkers and cognitive assessments (MMSE, CDR-SB) were measured.
Main Results:
- Higher physical activity quartiles were associated with lower plasma ptau217 and NfL levels.
- Increased physical activity correlated with better cognitive scores (higher MMSE, lower CDR-SB).
- Associations were stronger in older adults and those with cognitive impairment.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity may play a role in delaying cognitive decline by influencing neurodegeneration and tau pathology.
- Findings suggest PA could be a modifiable factor in Alzheimer's disease prevention.
- Longitudinal studies are required to establish causality.
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