Exercise for Alzheimer's Disease

(RAATE Trial)

This trial explores how physical activity affects Alzheimer's risk factors in older African American adults. It aims to determine if a tailored exercise program can improve memory and brain function related to Alzheimer's. Participants will either follow a moderate to vigorous exercise routine or engage in low-intensity activities with healthy aging education. Suitable candidates have not been regularly active, are African American, and have no conditions that make exercise unsafe. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research on Alzheimer's prevention in the community.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that physical activity benefits brain health and may lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found that regular exercise can reduce the chance of developing dementia by up to 20%. Those engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise face an even lower risk.

Exercise also boosts thinking skills, including awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment. For older adults, staying active helps maintain these skills. Evidence suggests that exercise might also assist with daily tasks for those with Alzheimer's.

Researchers are excited about using physical activity as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease because it offers a non-pharmacological approach that could complement or even enhance existing treatments like cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. Unlike medications that focus primarily on chemical interactions in the brain, this approach aims to improve cognitive function and overall health through increased blood flow and neuroplasticity resulting from aerobic and strength training exercises. This method also empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment by incorporating manageable lifestyle changes, potentially leading to improved quality of life and reduced symptoms without the side effects commonly associated with medications.

Research has shown that physical activity can enhance brain function in people with Alzheimer's Disease. In this trial, participants in the physical activity intervention arm will engage in moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise and strength training. Previous studies suggest these activities might slow the decline in thinking skills for those with this condition. One study discovered that regular exercise could lower the risk of developing dementia by up to 20%. Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity may also lead to a 60% decrease in dementia risk. Overall, evidence suggests that staying active benefits brain health and may help manage Alzheimer's Disease.²³⁶⁷⁸