Aerobic Exercise Sustains Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Early-Stage Alzheimer Disease

Abstract

Our analysis extends recent work by revealing specific benefits for instrumental activities of daily living for individuals in the early stages of AD and supports the value of exercise for individuals with cognitive impairment.

Physical activity can improve cognition in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…After reviewing the title and abstract, 530 trials were excluded due to the following reasons: insufficient or irrelevant outcome information (n=356), study designs (n=57), multi-modal interventions (n=9), inclusion of nondemented patients (n=106), and unlocated full text (n=2). As a result of the screening process, 13 RCT articles were selected, 10 – 12 , 23 – 32 which included 659 patients who were diagnosed with AD as presented in Figure 1 . Patients were split into control (319) or patients receiving intervention treatment (340).…”

“… 30 However, the remaining five studies did not display a beneficial effect of exercise on cognitive function in patients with AD. 25 , 28 , 29 , 31 , 32 It is important to note that one study observed that the effects of exercise on cognitive function in patients with AD differed from each other when different observational indicators were used. 32 …”

“… 10 – 12 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 30 The remaining articles had mixed results or did not demonstrate statistical differences. 25 , 28 , 29 , 31 , 32 Additionally, types of physical activity are different. Nine studies had an intervention period between 12 and 16 weeks, 10 , 11 , 24 , 25 , 27 – 31 while other trials had an intervention period from 1.5 to 12 months.…”

“…Nine studies had an intervention period between 12 and 16 weeks, 10 , 11 , 24 , 25 , 27 – 31 while other trials had an intervention period from 1.5 to 12 months. 12 , 23 , 26 , 32 In eight studies, the CG had patients with no exercise intervention or treatment as usual,10,12,23,24,27–29,31 in one trial patients in the CG performed nonaerobic exercises, 32 and in one trial, patients in the CG participated in talk only visits. 31 It is important to note that selected studies used several cognitive tests, and MMSE was the most commonly used cognition detection method.…”

How far have biological therapies come in regenerative sports medicine?

“…Different physical activity patterns are efficient (including weekend warriors) in this respect, and the all-cause mortality risk was 30% lower in active versus inactive individuals [2]. Vigorous exercise is also recommended as medicine in patients with chronic conditions, including cancer [3][4][5] or Alzheimer diseases [6]. Engagement in sports offers many health benefits, but also exposure to injury risks.…”