Alzheimer's Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

23. Can exercise protect against Alzheimer's disease?

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Growing evidence suggests that physical activity might be good for our brains as well as our hearts and waistlines. In one observational study , the risk of Alzheimer's disease was 35 to 40 percent lower in older adults who exercised for at least 15 minutes three or more times a week than in those who exercised fewer than three times a week. One clinical trial to test the idea showed increased brain activity, at least in the short term, in older adults who took part in a program of brisk walking for 6 months. These results are promising, and more clinical trials are underway to find out if physical activity can actually prevent or delay Alzheimer's.