Researchers from the University of California San Diego and Wake Forest University have found that both low and moderate-to-high intensity exercise may be effective tools in slowing cognitive decline among older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, the findings come from the EXERT study a multi-site clinical trial examining the impact of different exercise intensities in sedentary older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a condition known to significantly increase the risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s dementia.

Key findings from the study include:

• Cognitive function remained stable over 12 months in both the low and moderate-to-high intensity exercise groups.

• Participants who exercised experienced significantly less cognitive decline than those in a comparison group receiving standard care (e.g., routine medical checkups and medication management).

• Brain volume loss, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, appeared to be reduced in both exercise groups.

aMCI, characterized by memory concerns and objectively measured memory decline, affects many older adults, with around 16% progressing to Alzheimer’s disease each year. “This is a crucial intervention window,” said Dr. Aladdin Shadyab, lead author and associate professor at UC San Diego. “Even low-intensity exercise may help slow cognitive decline in this at-risk population.”

Previous research has hinted at the cognitive benefits of exercise, but results have been inconsistent. The EXERT study, coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) at UC San Diego in collaboration with Wake Forest University School of Medicine, helps fill this gap with robust data. Notably, the study partnered with local YMCAs to deliver exercise interventions, making the program more accessible and community-oriented.

“EXERT represents a major step forward as the largest, most rigorous trial of exercise in people with mild cognitive impairment,” said Dr. Laura Baker, principal investigator and professor at Wake Forest. “While we anticipated cognitive decline in participants, we were encouraged to see stability in both exercise groups over 12 months.”

The researchers also noted that being part of a structured research program may provide cognitive stimulation in itself, contributing to the observed benefits.

Overall, these findings suggest that regular exercise even at low intensity is a safe, practical, and potentially powerful way to protect brain health in older adults at risk for dementia.

Source: https://today.ucsd.edu/story/even-light-exercise-could-help-slow-cognitive-decline-in-people-at-risk-of-alzheimers