title: Effectiveness of exercise on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: Physical activity has a protective effect on brain function in older people. Here, we briefly reviewed the studies and results related to the effects of exercise on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The main findings from the current body of literature indicate positive evidence for structured physical activity (cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise) as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for preventing cognitive decline. More studies are needed to determine the mechanisms involved in this preventative effect, including on strength, cardiorespiratory, and other types of exercise. Thus, the prevention of Alzheimer's disease may depend on healthy lifestyle habits, such as a structured physical fitness program.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil ; Rheumatology Division, University of Brasília Hospital, Brasília, Brazil ; Department of Physical Education, Euro-American University Center, Brasília, Brazil ; GEPEEFS (Strength Training and Health Research Group), Brasília, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sandor
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Balsamo
authors.forename: Jeffrey M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Willardson
authors.forename: Santos de Santana
authors.initials: Sde S
authors.lastname: Frederico
authors.forename: Jonato
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prestes
authors.forename: Denise Coscrato
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Balsamo
authors.forename: da Cunha Nascimento
authors.initials: da CN
authors.lastname: Dahan
authors.forename: Leopoldo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dos Santos-Neto
authors.forename: Otávio T
authors.initials: OT
authors.lastname: Nobrega
keywords: healthy lifestyle habits; memory disorders; physical activity; randomized controlled trial