Can Exercise Affect Cognitive Functioning in Alzheimer's Disease? A Review of the Literature

This review systematically analyzes the evidence for exercise and its effect on cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease. A number of prospective cohort studies have been conducted elucidating the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). These studies have demonstrated that increased levels of physical activity confer a reduced risk of AD. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of exercise on cognitive functioning for AD patients. Overall, the studies presented in this paper demonstrate minimal change in cognitive functioning following exercise intervention. However, other benefits may be gained from exercise programs, such as decreasing restless behavior and improving sleep and physical status for the AD patient, and a decrease in caregiver isolation and stress when the caregivers participate in an exercise program. To ensure that activity planning for persons with AD is effective for cognitive functioning, both physical exercise and cognitively stimulating activities are recommended. (C) 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.