Aerobic Exercise Three Times Weekly Slows Alzheimer's Progression in Randomized Trial
Summary
A 12-month randomized controlled trial of 160 early-stage Alzheimer's patients demonstrated that supervised aerobic exercise (45 minutes, three times weekly) significantly slowed cognitive decline compared to a stretching control group. The exercise group experienced 35% less cognitive decline, preserved hippocampal volume, and showed increased serum BDNF levels.
Why This Is Interesting
No current drug has demonstrated this magnitude of effect on slowing Alzheimer's progression. The finding that a simple, accessible intervention — regular aerobic exercise — can outperform pharmaceutical approaches in early-stage Alzheimer's is remarkable. Combined with the mechanistic data showing preserved hippocampal volume and elevated BDNF, this study provides a compelling case for exercise as a first-line intervention.
Published in JAMA Neurology
"Aerobic Exercise Three Times Weekly Slows Alzheimer's Progression in Randomized Trial." JAMA Neurology, 28 Feb. 2026, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/example7/.