Exercise Helps Alzheimer's Patients

New research suggests that cardiovascular exercise not only slows the decline in brain function of Alzheimer’s patients but actually improves it. Researchers reviewed data from 19 studies on the effects of exercise on 1,145 people with Alzheimer’s or at risk for it. Participants engaged in aerobic exercise programs or just received the usual care for Alzheimer's patients. Exercisers averaged 3.5 days per week of 30- to 60-minute sessions of moderate-intensity exercise. The exercise groups had significantly improved brain function compared to non-exercise groups. Moreover, the non-exercise groups actually had deterioration in brain function.