A new study offers promising evidence that regular aerobic exercise may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers from the University of Bristol in the UK and the Federal University of São Paulo in Brazil explored how physical activity might affect certain harmful changes in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer’s.
Their findings provide hope for millions of people concerned about this challenging disease.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition that causes memory loss, difficulty thinking, and other problems as it gradually damages the brain.
Currently, there is no cure, but experts know that lifestyle factors, such as exercise, can help maintain brain health.
This research focused on how exercise impacts the hippocampus, a part of the brain essential for memory and learning.
The scientists studied markers of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain, including amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and iron buildup in certain cells. These markers are key contributors to the damage seen in Alzheimer’s.
The study involved a group of rodents that completed a structured program of aerobic exercise, such as running on a treadmill. The researchers compared their brains to those of rodents that did not exercise. The results were remarkable. Exercise significantly reduced the presence of harmful markers in the brains of the active rodents:
- Amyloid plaques, sticky protein clumps that disrupt brain function, decreased by about 76%.
- Tau tangles, twisted proteins that harm brain cells, dropped by 63%.
- Iron buildup in brain cells called oligodendrocytes, which support nerve fibers, was reduced by 58%.
In addition to these reductions, the brains of exercising rodents showed healthier cells overall. The numbers of protective oligodendrocytes increased, and brain inflammation—a major contributor to cell damage—dropped significantly.
Depending on the type of inflammation marker measured, the reduction ranged from 55% to 68%. Exercise also appeared to improve how brain cells communicate, restoring balance in the brain’s function.
Dr. Augusto Coppi, one of the study’s senior researchers, emphasized the importance of these findings.
He explained that although physical activity has long been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, the specific ways it protects the brain were not well understood until now. He believes that aerobic exercise could be a key part of strategies to prevent Alzheimer’s.
The study suggests that adding regular aerobic exercise into daily routines could slow down or even help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s. This is especially important for older adults, who are most at risk.
The researchers also highlighted the need for public health programs that encourage exercise among aging populations. Making exercise a priority could have a significant impact on brain health and quality of life.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to test these findings in humans. Clinical trials will determine whether the benefits seen in rodents also apply to people. In addition, they are exploring other treatments, such as drugs that target iron buildup and cell damage in the brain.
Analysis of the Findings
This study provides strong evidence for the role of exercise in maintaining brain health and reducing risks linked to Alzheimer’s.
The reductions in amyloid plaques and tau tangles are particularly significant, as these are hallmark features of the disease. Exercise also addresses inflammation and iron buildup, two factors that contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s.
While the findings are exciting, it’s important to remember that this research was conducted in rodents. Human trials will be necessary to confirm whether these benefits translate to people.
Still, the results underline the importance of regular exercise, not just for general health but as a potential tool for protecting the brain.
In summary, this research highlights how something as simple as aerobic exercise could make a big difference in preventing Alzheimer’s or slowing its progression. It’s a hopeful step forward in understanding how we can protect our brains as we age.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies that bad lifestyle habits can cause Alzheimer’s disease, and strawberries can be good defence against Alzheimer’s.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that oral cannabis extract may help reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
The research findings can be found in Brain Research.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
