Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention for Alzheimer's Disease
Dong-Joo Hwang1,2, Joon-Yong Cho3
1Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Korea National Sport University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Advances in Neurobiology
|September 26, 2025
Summary
Regular physical exercise shows promise in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Exercise may improve cognitive function and slow disease progression by promoting neuroplasticity, making it a potential disease-modifying intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, characterized by cognitive decline and neurotoxin accumulation.
- AD involves complex brain changes beyond aging, leading to severe functional impairment and death.
- Current AD treatments lack disease-modifying effects, highlighting the need for early interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of emerging evidence on physical exercise for AD prevention and treatment.
- To explore exercise as a therapeutic strategy for managing Alzheimer's disease.
- To assess the role of exercise in mitigating cognitive decline associated with AD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on physical exercise and Alzheimer's disease.
- Analysis of research demonstrating exercise-induced neuroplastic changes.
- Synthesis of evidence on exercise's impact on cognitive function and disease progression.
Main Results:
- Studies indicate physical exercise can improve cognitive function in individuals at risk for or with AD.
- Exercise demonstrates potential in reducing AD risk and slowing disease progression.
- Exercise promotes neuroplastic changes that may counteract AD-related brain alterations.
Conclusions:
- Regular physical exercise should be considered a disease-modifying intervention for Alzheimer's disease.
- Incorporating exercise into daily routines may aid in AD prevention and management.
- Further research is needed to determine optimal exercise regimens for AD patients.
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