Video
Exercise and Alzheimer Disease
Author(s):
A large study evaluated exercise and its effects on cognitive function in patients with, or at risk for, Alzheimer disease.
A recent meta-analysis evaluated exercise and its effects on cognitive function in patients with, or at risk, of developing Alzheimer disease (AD).1
Findings
Exercise training had a positive effect on cognition in the exercise group, compared with controls. The authors concluded that regular exercise may reduce the decline in cognitive function in patients with, or at risk for, AD. Additionally, aerobic exercise had the most favorable effect.
As usual, the researchers called for randomized prospective studies. Until then, what is the down side of recommending exercise as a therapeutic option to improve brain health?
Related: Eating Fish Linked to Slower Memory Decline
Reference
Panza GA, Taylor BA, MacDonald HV, et al. Can Exercise Improve Cognitive Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease? A Meta-Analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2018 Jan 24. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15241. [Epub ahead of print]
