Even Light Exercise Can Help Slow Cognitive Decline In People At Risk Of Alzheimer's: Study

Individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a condition characterized by memory complaints and objective memory decline, are at high risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia, with approximately 16% of people with this condition progressing to Alzheimer's each year.

- TDG NETWORK

Researchers at University of California San Diego and Wake Forest University have found that both low and moderate-high intensity exercise could be valuable tools in the fight against Alzheimer's.

The new research, published as two papers in Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, describes the results of the EXERT study (Exercise in Adults with Mild Memory Problems).

It is a multi-site clinical trial of lower or moderate-high intensity exercise in sedentary older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a major risk factor for Alzheimer's dementia.

The researchers also compared their results to an existing dataset of comparable individuals who only received usual care, such as regular check-ups with health care providers and medication management.