Even light exercise can slow cognitive decline

Engaging in low or moderate-to-high-intensity exercise can slow cognitive decline in older adults with memory problems that increase their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The EXERT study (Exercise in Adults with Mild Memory Problems) followed nearly 300 sedentary adults, aged 65 to 89, who were diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. This condition, characterised by significant memory problems, is known to raise the risk of Alzheimer’s, with about 16 per cent of individuals progressing to the disease each year. “This is a critical time to intervene in this population, because they don’t have dementia yet, but are at a very high risk,” said the lead researcher.

 

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two exercise programmes: a moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic routine or a low-intensity regimen focusing on stretching, balance and range-of-motion exercises. Both groups exercised three to four times per week for 12 months under the guidance of YMCA trainers. Participants underwent regular assessments of cognitive function and brain volume. Surprisingly, cognitive function remained stable for both exercise groups over the course of the study.

 

Researchers also compared these results to data from a similar group of older adults who received only standard care—regular medical check-ups and medications but no structured exercise. Compared to this group, the participants in both exercise programmes experienced significantly less cognitive decline. In addition, those in the exercise groups showed reduced brain volume loss in regions typically affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including the prefrontal cortex.

 

The findings were published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.

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