Light exercise can help slow cognitive decline in people at risk of Alzheimer's: Study

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego and Wake Forest University discovered that both low and moderate-high intensity exercise could be effective strategies in the battle against Alzheimer's. The EXERT study (Exercise in Adults with Mild Memory Problems) is described in two publications published in Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Alzheimer's Association Journal.

It is a multi-site clinical trial of lower or moderate-high intensity exercise in sedentary older persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, which is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's dementia. The researchers also compared their findings to an existing dataset of similar individuals who simply received standard treatment, such as regular check-ups with doctors and medication management.

Individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, a disease characterized by memory complaints and objective memory decline, are at high risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia, with around 16% of those diagnosed progressing to Alzheimer's every year.