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Anaerobic vs Aerobic exercise as a treatment for patients with Alzheimer's

What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a form of dementia that causes degradation of the brain via oxidation. AD is consistent with the aging process and symptoms can include:


 * Memory loss
 * Personality changes (mood swings)
 * Cognitive decline
 * Inability to cope with everyday activities
 * Loss of coordination.

Risk Factors
Risk factors of AD can be both non-modifiable and modifiable.

Benefits of exercise
Aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercise has been shown to be the most beneficial when it comes to slowing the process of Alzheimer's. Participating in approximately 30 minutes a day of low to moderate intensity exercise has been linked with a increase in cerebral blood flow. This increase in cerebral flow improves brain vascularity and helps maintain neural synapses.

Anaerobic exercise

Short, high intensity bouts of exercise using the anaerobic energy system has not been consistent with the improvements in cerebral blood flow and improvement in cognitive function as has been shown with aerobic exercise. This is because anaerobic exercise does not utilize oxygen as a primary energy source, therefore oxygen does not travel to the brain as efficiently as it would in aerobic exercise. Although anaerobic exercise does not carry the same oxygen delivery capacity as aerobic exercise, it can still be useful to patients suffering from AD. Incorporating skills requiring coordination has also been proven to increase neural synapses and maintain overall brain volume. Engaging in leisurely anaerobic sports like golf and tennis contributes to improved cognition among AD patients.

Prevention for Alzheimer's Disease
Diet and physical activity Participating in regular physical activity as well as managing diet throughout the mid-life has been shown to decrease some AD risks by up to 60%. Exercise and diet helps in reducing the vascular risks associated with AD as well as lowering the risk of diabetes, which is also a risk factor