Does Physical Exercise Modify the Pathophysiology of Alzheimer's Disease in Older Persons?
SUMMARY: Physical exercise shows limited effects on Alzheimer's biomarkers, but specific populations may benefit from targeted interventions. KEY FINDINGS: Exercise benefits on brain health are widely recognized but mechanisms are still debated. Study focused on exercise's impact on Alzheimer's disease biomarkers. Selected biomarkers included beta-amyloid, tau, neurofilament light chain, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. No strong evidence of significant exercise effects on biomarkers in the general population. Women with obesity, pre-diabetes, or depression showed favorable changes in beta-amyloid levels. Cerebrospinal fluid beta-amyloid improvements noted in Alzheimer's allele carriers. Current evidence suggests exercise does not alter Alzheimer's pathophysiology for most older adults. Specific populations may experience positive effects from exercise interventions. Future research should include larger samples and long-term follow-ups. Other factors like diet and sedentary behavior need consideration in future studies. CONCLUSION: Exercise has limited overall impact on Alzheimer's biomarkers in older adults. Targeted exercise interventions may benefit specific populations. Further research is essential for conclusive evidence. Consideration of lifestyle factors is crucial for understanding exercise effects. Continued exploration of exercise's role in cognitive health is needed. KEYWORDS: brain health, Alzheimer's disease, exercise intervention, biomarkers, cognitive conditions, beta-amyloid, neurofilament, cerebrospinal fluid, older adults, metabolic disorders