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Alzheimer's DiseaseAugust 2021

What Researchers Found Testing Aerobic Exercise for Brain Blood Flow in APOE4 Carriers

This 117-person study assigned older adults with hypertension to a 52-week aerobic exercise program or education only. APOE4 carriers — people at highest genetic Alzheimer's risk — saw real gains in hippocampus blood flow with exercise; non-carriers did not.

What the trial was testing

The trial enrolled 117 patients with alzheimer's disease. The study was sponsored by University of Kansas Medical Center and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.

What the results showed

Hippocampal blood flow rose only in APOE4 carriers who exercised.

Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism · 2021 · NCT02000583

These findings — that rise in hippocampal blood flow with exercise — only in hypertensive APOE4 carriers — were published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 117 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with alzheimer's disease, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

Aerobic exercise is free and broadly recommended. APOE4 genetic testing is available through doctors and consumer services. The American Heart Association and Alzheimer's Association both recommend regular aerobic exercise for brain health. Ask your primary care doctor about a starter exercise plan, especially if you have high blood pressure.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.

What Researchers Found Testing Aerobic Exercise for Brain Blood Flow in APOE4 Carriers | stella