Regular Exercise Reduces Alzheimer's Markers by Up to 76%
New research reveals aerobic exercise reduces Alzheimer's disease markers by up to 76% and improves brain health, suggesting a promising preventive approach against the neurodegenerative disorder.
Research shows aerobic exercise significantly reduces key Alzheimer's markers in the brain, offering a simple but powerful prevention strategy.
New research reveals aerobic exercise reduces Alzheimer's disease markers by up to 76% and improves brain health, suggesting a promising preventive approach against the neurodegenerative disorder.
A new study from the University of Bristol and Federal University of São Paulo shows that regular aerobic exercise does more than keep you fit - it actively fights against Alzheimer's disease at the cellular level.
The research, published in Brain Research, focused on the hippocampus, the brain's memory center. Scientists measured how exercise affected three key markers of Alzheimer's:
- Amyloid plaques (reduced by 76%)
- Tau tangles (reduced by 63%)
- Iron buildup in brain cells (reduced by 58%)
These numbers matter because these markers are what damage brain cells in Alzheimer's disease. The study also found exercise:
- Decreased brain inflammation by 55-68%
- Increased protective brain cells
- Improved communication between brain cells
What This Means for You: Regular aerobic exercise could be a simple, cost-effective way to protect your brain against Alzheimer's. The study suggests that staying physically active helps maintain brain health as you age.
"Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure, impacting millions worldwide. While physical exercise is known to reduce cognitive decline, the cellular mechanisms behind its neuroprotective effects have remained elusive—until now," says Dr. Augusto Coppi, Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol.
The researchers plan to start human trials to verify these findings and explore new treatments targeting iron metabolism and cell death.
No conflicts of interest were reported. The research received funding from Brazilian research organizations CAPES-PRINT, CNPq, and FAPESP.
