Biomarkers

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction. This study explores the impact of a 12-week yoga intervention on cognitive function, mood, biomarkers, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress in AD patients.

Out of 60 patients initially enrolled, 50% were lost to follow-up, resulting in the evaluation of 30 AD patients (mean age 66.4 ± 3.80 years) and 20 healthy controls (HC; mean age 64.4 ± 2.40 years). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). AD biomarkers, including amyloid-beta (Aβ), pTau proteins (pTau 181 and pTau 217), APOE, APOE4, and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-11, IL-15, IL-37, TNF-α, TGF-β1, CRP, BDNF), were measured. Oxidative stress was assessed by 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Further analyses included ROC curves and Pearson correlations between biomarkers and cognitive scales.

The AD group showed significant cognitive improvement post-intervention, with MoCA scores increasing and GDS scores decreasing (p < 0.01). Cognitive domains such as language, attention, and memory were enhanced. Biomarker analysis revealed reductions in Aβ-40 (p < 0.05), pTau 181, pTau 217, CRP, APOE, and 8-OHdG, while Aβ-42 (p < 0.05), Aβ-42/Aβ-40 ratio (p < 0.05), and BDNF increased (p < 0.05). Inflammatory markers IL-6, TNF-α, IL11, IL15, IL37, and IL-11 decreased, while TGF-β1 increased (p < 0.05). Correlations revealed cognitive improvement (MoCA) positively associated with Aβ-42 (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) and inversely with IL-6 (r = -0.58, p < 0.05). Mood improvements (GDS) were inversely correlated with APOE levels (r = -0.62, p < 0.01).

Yoga intervention significantly enhanced cognition, mood, and biomarker profiles, including reductions in inflammatory markers, APOE, and oxidative stress, with positive correlations between cognitive improvement and Aβ-42, and inverse associations with IL-6. These findings support yoga as a promising therapeutic strategy in AD.