New research led by scientists at the University of Bristol (UK) and the Federal University of São Paulo (Brazil) has found that regular aerobic exercise can significantly lower disease markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease. These findings offer promising new insights in the fight against this devastating condition.
Published in the journal Brain Research, the study reveals that physical activity not only safeguards healthy brain cells but also helps restore balance in the aging brain.
The research focused on the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory and learning, and measured the impact of aerobic exercise on key Alzheimer’s markers: amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and iron accumulation in myelin-producing cells known as oligodendrocytes. These markers are central to Alzheimer’s pathology.
Findings revealed that rodents who completed a structured aerobic exercise program experienced:
Dr. Augusto Coppi, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Anatomy at the University of Bristol and one of the study’s senior authors, explained: “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. This research highlights the potential for aerobic exercise to serve as a cornerstone in preventive strategies for Alzheimer’s.”
Key findings from the study include:
The researchers are now planning human clinical trials to confirm the protective effects observed in rodent models. They will also investigate drugs targeting iron metabolism and cell death as potential therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s.
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