Mixed
Gains in cardiorespiratory fitness (peak VO2) from aerobic exercise are correlated with improved memory performance and reduced hippocampal atrophy in early Alzheimer's disease.
To potentially support memory and brain health in early Alzheimer's, patients should aim to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness through aerobic exercise. This involves activities that raise the heart rate to a moderate intensity (60-75% of max) for 150 minutes per week. The goal is to improve fitness levels, which the study links to better memory and brain volume preservation.
change in cardiorespiratory fitness was positively correlated with change in memory performance and bilateral hippocampal volume.
Why this rating
Correlational analysis within a pilot study; causality is not proven (reverse causation possible).
Source
Aerobic exercise for Alzheimer's disease: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Jill K. Morris et al. · PLoS ONE · 2017
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0170547
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