Researchers are investigating the cognitive benefits of exercise for Alzheimer's patients who face mobility challenges. Senior author Christiane Wrann highlights that while physical activities like walking can significantly reduce Alzheimer's risk, many patients are unable to exercise. To counter this limitation, the team aims to mimic the beneficial molecular processes triggered by exercise through pharmacological approaches. This research is particularly vital as the number of Alzheimer’s cases in the U.S. is expected to double by 2060, emphasizing the need for alternative interventions for those unable to engage in physical activity.
We know that exercise does so many good things to the brain and against Alzheimer's disease... we actually want to activate these molecular pathways using pharmacology.
A 2022 study found that walking roughly 4,000 steps a day helped reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's by 25 percent while walking 10,000 steps a day reduced risk by 50 percent.
There's a large patient population that just doesn't have the capability to exercise to an extent that you would get all these benefits.
By seeking to understand how exercise impacts our cells at a molecular level, we aim to provide benefits to those who can't exercise.
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