Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Mild Cognitive Impairment

This study examined how aerobic exercise impacts cognition and Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Over six months, participants engaged in either aerobic exercise or stretching. Women in the aerobic group showed significant improvements in executive functions like multitasking and decision-making, alongside better glucose regulation and reduced cortisol levels. Men experienced smaller cognitive benefits but showed increases in growth factors linked to brain health. These results highlight aerobic exercise as a non-drug strategy to slow cognitive decline, especially in women at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, through mechanisms like improved metabolism and reduced stress hormones.

Engaging in regular aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling at moderate to high intensity for 45–60 minutes, four days a week, may enhance executive function, reduce stress hormones, and improve glucose metabolism, particularly for older adults with MCI. These findings, from a rigorously controlled trial, are most applicable to sedentary adults and emphasize the importance of individualized approaches considering sex differences in benefits.