Alzheimer's disease has few treatments for its symptoms, and its progression is nearly always unavoidable. As a result, the scientific community continually investigates lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, that can be adopted early on to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. A study from the Federal University of São Paulo, published in the Brain Research journal, contributes to this effort by highlighting the benefits of aerobic exercise for brain health.

Aerobic exercise reduces Alzheimer’s disease risk

The study found that exercise directly targets Alzheimer’s disease at its biological roots. It explained that Alzheimer's is marked by the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles, as well as increased brain inflammation and neuron damage.

To assess the impact of exercise, the study put aged rats through an eight-week aerobic exercise program. The results were remarkable. After the program, amyloid plaques decreased by 76%, and tau tangles were reduced by 63%, compared to rats that remained sedentary.

Additionally, aerobic exercise boosted the number of healthy and functioning neurons by 2.5 times. Brain inflammation in the rats also dropped by 55-68%.

How does exercise work

The study also highlighted the broader benefits of exercise for brain health, specifically how aerobic exercise helps target harmful protein accumulation and enhances brain cell interactions.

Moreover, the research emphasized the important role of microglia, the brain's immune cells, in reducing inflammation and maintaining a healthy brain environment. These cells help clear 'cellular debris' and lower inflammation. Exercise supports the function of microglia, while also regulating iron metabolism in the brain, protecting neurons from damage caused by excess iron.

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