Simple exercise could slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, new study reveals
By avagrace // 2025-05-03
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  • A study by researchers from two universities found that even low-intensity exercise (like stretching) and moderate-high intensity aerobic workouts help preserve brain health in older adults at risk of Alzheimer's.
  • Nearly 300 sedentary adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were split into two exercise groups (low vs. moderate-high intensity) and showed no cognitive decline over 12 months, unlike a control group. Brain scans also revealed slower shrinkage in key areas.
  • Unlike costly drugs, exercise is a low-risk, scalable solution. The study partnered with YMCAs to make workouts practical and community-based.
  • The findings highlight personal responsibility and lifestyle choices as powerful tools against Alzheimer's, contrasting with reliance on pharmaceutical solutions.
  • While promising, questions remain about long-term effects and combining exercise with other interventions (e.g., diet). However, the study underscores exercise as an immediate, actionable defense against dementia.
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from the University of California San Diego and Wake Forest University have found that even light exercise may help slow cognitive decline in older adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease. Published April 24 in Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, the findings from the EXERT study – a major clinical trial – suggest that both low and moderate-high intensity exercise could be powerful tools in preserving brain health. For millions of Americans facing the looming threat of dementia, this research offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim medical landscape. Alzheimer's disease remains one of the most devastating health crises of our time, affecting more than six million Americans and costing the nation hundreds of billions annually in care. Despite decades of research, there is still no cure, and pharmaceutical breakthroughs have been frustratingly slow. Against this backdrop, the EXERT study stands out not for proposing a costly new drug, but for validating a simple, accessible intervention: exercise. (Related: You CAN prevent cognitive decline; experts agree that a mere 15 minutes of exercise a day can prevent Alzheimer's.) The EXERT trial involved nearly 300 sedentary older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes full-blown Alzheimer's. Participants were divided into two groups. The first group performed low-intensity stretching and balance exercises, while the other engaged in moderate-high intensity aerobic workouts. Both groups exercised three to four times a week for 12 months under YMCA supervision. Meanwhile, researchers tracked cognitive function and brain volume changes.

Striking results: Exercise slows down cognitive decline

Contrary to expectations, cognitive function did not worsen in either group over the year-long study. Even more compelling, both exercise regimens were linked to significantly less cognitive decline compared to a control group receiving only standard medical care. Brain scans also revealed slower shrinkage in critical areas like the prefrontal cortex, a region heavily impacted by Alzheimer's. With roughly 16 percent of MCI patients progressing to Alzheimer's each year, early intervention is crucial. Unlike experimental drugs with uncertain side effects, exercise is a low-risk, low-cost strategy that could buy precious time for at-risk individuals. From a conservative standpoint, these findings reinforce the value of individual agency in health management. While Big Pharma races for blockbuster drugs, this study underscores that lifestyle choices – like staying active – can be just as impactful. It's a reminder that personal discipline, not just medical innovation, plays a vital role in combating disease. One innovative aspect of the study was its collaboration with the YMCA, making exercise more accessible to participants. Study co-author Dr. Howard Feldman noted that this approach bridges the gap between research and real-world application. Skeptics might argue that exercise alone isn't a silver bullet, and they'd be right. Alzheimer's is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors. Yet the EXERT study's rigorous design – partnering with community organizations like the YMCA – lends credibility to its conclusions. Still, questions remain: Would longer-term exercise yield even greater benefits? Could combining exercise with other interventions amplify results? While the results are promising, researchers caution that more work is needed. Future studies could explore how different exercise types (strength training vs. cardio) affect cognition or whether combining exercise with diet changes enhances outcomes. Still, the takeaway is clear: Movement matters. The message is straightforward for older adults and anyone concerned about brain health: Get moving. Whether it's a daily walk, yoga or more intense workouts, physical activity is now proven to be a formidable ally against cognitive decline. In an era of skyrocketing healthcare costs, that's a prescription worth filling. While science continues searching for a cure, exercise offers a practical, immediate way to defend against dementia. Watch this video about the benefits of exercise on the brain. This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Exercise found to reduce the severity of Alzheimer's symptoms. Exercise: The secret weapon against mental fatigue for seniors. Study highlights the power of EXERCISE against dementia. Sources include:  ScienceDaily.com Alz-Journals.OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com Today.UCSD.edu Newsroom.WakeHealth.edu Brighteon.com
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