TDNet Discover

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to significant cognitive and functional decline. While pharmacological treatments exist, their effectiveness has been limited, prompting interest in nonpharmacological interventions such as aerobic exercise. However, limited data exists on the optimal type, duration, and frequency of aerobic activity for improving outcomes in AD. Purpose: To determine the most effective aerobic exercise prescription, defined by its type, duration, and frequency, for improving cognitive functioning and activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: An evidence-based clinical review (EBCR) was conducted using systematic searches of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Studies were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A quality assessment tool from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) was implemented to determine the quality of the selected studies, leading to the selection of three meta-analyses that received a rating of “good” quality. Finally, a data extraction tool was employed to perform a qualitative analysis of the selected studies regarding their common population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes. Results: Each study evaluated the impact of aerobic exercise interventions on cognitive outcomes, with one also assessing ADLs. Outcome measures included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study–Activities of Daily Living Inventory (ADCS-ADL). Aerobic exercise significantly improved cognitive function compared to standard care or non-aerobic interventions. The optimal prescription identified was approximately 660 metabolic equivalents of task (MET) minutes per week, equivalent to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity across 3 to 4 sessions per week. One study also demonstrated significant improvement in ADLs, suggesting v benefits beyond cognitive performance. Conclusion: Structured aerobic exercise at moderate intensity, performed regularly, offered substantial benefits for cognitive function and ADLs in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These findings support the integration of tailored aerobic exercise regimen into standard AD treatment plans. Further research is needed to identify the most effective exercise modalities, assess long-term adherence, and examine the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these improvements.