Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

These 4 Aerobic Exercises Might Lower Your Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease, Says Study

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Its destructive impact on memory, cognition, and everyday life calls for continued research into the area of prevention and the treatment of this disease. Among several studies published recently, one factor has been identified to reduce the chances of suffering from Alzheimer's in addition to its progression-aerobic exercise. Let's dive deeper into the science behind this link and explore practical ways to incorporate exercise into Alzheimer's care and prevention strategies. 

A study published in Brain Research has revealed the tremendous neuroprotective effects of regular aerobic exercise. The study, which applied structured aerobic programs to rodents, showed marked improvement in <span>brain health</span> and functionality. One of the most striking findings was a notable reduction in the accumulation of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease—exercise decreased tau tangles by 63% and amyloid plaques by an impressive 76%.

In addition, the study showed improved brain cell health, characterized by an increase in protective oligodendrocytes, which are important cells that support neuron function and overall brain activity.

The benefits of aerobic exercise extended further, showing up to a 68% reduction in brain inflammation, a critical factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The most important aspect, perhaps is that the aerobic exercise activity stabilized brain function to maximize the synaptic communication between neurons and neutralized some aging effects on the brain. Such findings can offer support for aerobic exercise as a preventive measure against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. 

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins, like amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in and around brain cells. This deposition causes progressive neuron destruction, affecting memory, decision-making, and communication. It eventually progresses to severe cognitive and physical decline.

The actual cause is yet to be established, but studies show that lifestyle factors, especially exercise, greatly help in preventing its risk and progression. 

Veterinary anatomy at the University of Bristol Senior lecturer Augusto Coppi said aerobic exercise not only prevents cognitive decline but also balances the brain cell. It is one powerful tool for prevention of Alzheimer's.

Aerobic exercise is a sustained physical activity that involves large muscle groups, which elevates your heart rate and oxygen consumption. Examples include walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling.

This is already believed to reduce risk of chronic issues, including heart conditions, diabetes and hypertension. Beyond bodily functions, regular exercise also increases positive effects that relate to mental conditions, particularly towards Alzheimer's victims.

<h2>Health Benefits of Exercises to Patients with Alzheimer's</h2>

Evaluating someone who has suffered the misfortune of Alzheimer's disease, integrating the person in regular exercises goes along with different positive effects into his or her life. Among the effects, there would include:

<ul><li>Exercise increases brain activity and helps to delay the decline in cognitive ability.</li><li>The strength and coordination of muscles improve the performance of daily activities. </li><li>Physical activity reduces anxiety, depression, and restlessness while enhancing restful sleep. </li><li>Regular movement helps minimize symptoms of confusion and agitation often experienced in the late afternoon or evening. </li><li>Exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and osteoporosis.</li></ul>

<h2>Exercises Recommended for <span rel="noindex">Alzheimer's Disease Prevention</span></h2> 

For patients in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's, aerobic exercises include: 

These exercises are great for enhancing cardiovascular health and muscle strength without putting too much strain. 

Exercises for later stages: Aerobic and strength, balance, and coordination exercises are also best used during the later stages. Some of the examples are: 

- Sitting unsupported that can strengthen one's posture. 

- Stretching while lying flat on a bed maintains flexibility.

Care for an Alzheimer's patient is never easy. Some caregiver tips can encourage physical exercise:

1. Add hobbies or movements they enjoyed in the past can increase engagement.

2. Regular timing and duration provide structure and reduce agitation.

3. Do exercises to their current abilities, starting small and progressing gradually.

4. Combine physical movement with puzzles or memory games for added brain engagement.

5. Play their favorite songs to enhance mood and motivation.

The following are reports from the National Health Service (NHS) and Cleveland Clinic:

- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week.

- Should be spread over at least 4–5 days per week.

- Muscle-strengthening activity involving major muscle groups two times per week.

For Alzheimer's patients, always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, the evidence supporting aerobic exercise as a preventive and therapeutic strategy is growing. From improving brain health to reducing inflammation and enhancing quality of life, physical activity offers a simple yet powerful way to combat this debilitating disease.

For individuals and caregivers alike, adopting regular aerobic exercise not only boosts physical and mental health but also fosters hope in the face of Alzheimer’s challenges. With a commitment to movement and mindfulness, it is possible to pave the way for a healthier future.

<em><a href="https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad230740" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Exercise-Related Physical Activity Relates to Brain Volumes in 10,125 Individuals. </a>Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2024</em>

<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10436316/" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Exercise therapy to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease.</a> Front Aging Neurosci. 2023

<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899324006747?via%3Dihub" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Tau, amyloid, iron, oligodendrocytes ferroptosis, and inflammaging in the hippocampal formation of aged rats submitted to an aerobic exercise program.</a> Brain Research. 2025

Health Conditions A-Z

health

brain health

alzheimer's disease prevention

aerobic exercise benefits

brain health improvement

reduce alzheimer's risk

alzheimer's and exercise study

neuroprotective exercises

brain inflammation reduction

Stress In Teens? Ayurvedic Practices To Follow For Mental Clarity

These 6 Herbal Supplements Are Damaging Your Liver

You Might Not Need Ozempic Anymore: Researchers Discover Gut Bacteria That Can Suppress Hunger

Fitness

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

10 Best Carb Choices for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

10 White Foods to Avoid for Better Weight Loss Results

10 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Low-Carb and High-Protein Options

Healthy and Protein-Packed Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

10 Negative Habits That Drain Your Mind’s Power

10 Brain-Boosting Activities to Sharpen Your Mind

10 Protein-Rich Breakfast Dishes To Try

10 Signs Your Heart Is Healthy

10 Foods To Improve Your Brain Health

10 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Exercise To Improve Grip Strength

10 Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

10 Foods You Should Eat If You Are Weight-Training

10 Basics Rules Of Weight Training

10 Ways To Deal With Winter Dry Skin

Workout Week: 10 Back Exercises To Do At Gym

10 Healthy Chicken Recipes For Winter

10 Morning Habits That Can Make You Sick

10 Superfood To Help You Build Immunity

10 Cardio Exercises To Lose Belly Fat

10 Benefits Of Morning Runs

10 Intermittent Fasting Mistakes People Make

10 Toxic Morning Habits To Quit

10 Natural Ways To You Deal With Winter Dryness

10 Reasons Why Pickles Are Good For Winters

10 Healthy Custard Apple Recipes

10 Fun Activities To Build Your Kid’s Strength

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Its destructive impact on memory, cognition, and everyday life calls for continued research into the area of prevention and the treatment of this disease. Among several studies published recently, one factor has been identified to reduce the chances of suffering from Alzheimer's in addition to its progression-aerobic exercise. Let's dive deeper into the science behind this link and explore practical ways to incorporate exercise into Alzheimer's care and prevention strategies. A study published in Brain Research has revealed the tremendous neuroprotective effects of regular aerobic exercise. The study, which applied structured aerobic programs to rodents, showed marked improvement in brain health and functionality. One of the most striking findings was a notable reduction in the accumulation of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease—exercise decreased tau tangles by 63% and amyloid plaques by an impressive 76%.In addition, the study showed improved brain cell health, characterized by an increase in protective oligodendrocytes, which are important cells that support neuron function and overall brain activity.The benefits of aerobic exercise extended further, showing up to a 68% reduction in brain inflammation, a critical factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The most important aspect, perhaps is that the aerobic exercise activity stabilized brain function to maximize the synaptic communication between neurons and neutralized some aging effects on the brain. Such findings can offer support for aerobic exercise as a preventive measure against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins, like amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in and around brain cells. This deposition causes progressive neuron destruction, affecting memory, decision-making, and communication. It eventually progresses to severe cognitive and physical decline.The actual cause is yet to be established, but studies show that lifestyle factors, especially exercise, greatly help in preventing its risk and progression. Veterinary anatomy at the University of Bristol Senior lecturer Augusto Coppi said aerobic exercise not only prevents cognitive decline but also balances the brain cell. It is one powerful tool for prevention of Alzheimer's.What Is Aerobic Exercise? Aerobic exercise is a sustained physical activity that involves large muscle groups, which elevates your heart rate and oxygen consumption. Examples include walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling.This is already believed to reduce risk of chronic issues, including heart conditions, diabetes and hypertension. Beyond bodily functions, regular exercise also increases positive effects that relate to mental conditions, particularly towards Alzheimer's victims. Health Benefits of Exercises to Patients with Alzheimer'sEvaluating someone who has suffered the misfortune of Alzheimer's disease, integrating the person in regular exercises goes along with different positive effects into his or her life. Among the effects, there would include:Exercise increases brain activity and helps to delay the decline in cognitive ability.The strength and coordination of muscles improve the performance of daily activities. Physical activity reduces anxiety, depression, and restlessness while enhancing restful sleep. Regular movement helps minimize symptoms of confusion and agitation often experienced in the late afternoon or evening. Exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and osteoporosis.Exercises Recommended for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Early to Middle Stages For patients in the early to middle stages of Alzheimer's, aerobic exercises include:  - Brisk walking - Swimming - Light strength training These exercises are great for enhancing cardiovascular health and muscle strength without putting too much strain. Late StagesExercises for later stages: Aerobic and strength, balance, and coordination exercises are also best used during the later stages. Some of the examples are: - Sitting unsupported that can strengthen one's posture. - Stretching while lying flat on a bed maintains flexibility. Caregiving Tips for ExercisingCare for an Alzheimer's patient is never easy. Some caregiver tips can encourage physical exercise:1. Add hobbies or movements they enjoyed in the past can increase engagement. 2. Regular timing and duration provide structure and reduce agitation. 3. Do exercises to their current abilities, starting small and progressing gradually. 4. Combine physical movement with puzzles or memory games for added brain engagement. 5. Play their favorite songs to enhance mood and motivation.How Much Exercise Is Enough? The following are reports from the National Health Service (NHS) and Cleveland Clinic:- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week.- Should be spread over at least 4–5 days per week.- Muscle-strengthening activity involving major muscle groups two times per week.For Alzheimer's patients, always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen to ensure safety and effectiveness.Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, the evidence supporting aerobic exercise as a preventive and therapeutic strategy is growing. From improving brain health to reducing inflammation and enhancing quality of life, physical activity offers a simple yet powerful way to combat this debilitating disease.For individuals and caregivers alike, adopting regular aerobic exercise not only boosts physical and mental health but also fosters hope in the face of Alzheimer’s challenges. With a commitment to movement and mindfulness, it is possible to pave the way for a healthier future.Exercise-Related Physical Activity Relates to Brain Volumes in 10,125 Individuals. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2024Exercise therapy to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci. 2023Tau, amyloid, iron, oligodendrocytes ferroptosis, and inflammaging in the hippocampal formation of aged rats submitted to an aerobic exercise program. Brain Research. 2025