Treadmill training as an augmentation treatment for Alzheimer's disease: a pilot randomized controlled study.

Objective: To assess the effect of aerobic exercise on the cognition and functional capacity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.

Method: Elderly (n=20) with mild dementia (NINCDS-ADRDA/CDR1) were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) on a treadmill (30 minutes, twice a week and moderate intensity of 60% VO₂max) and control group (GC) 10 patients. The primary outcome measure was the cognitive function using Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Specifics instruments were also applied to evaluate executive function, memory, attention and concentration, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and functional capacity.

Results: After 16 weeks, the EG showed improvement in cognition CAMCOG whereas the CG declined. Compared to the CG, the EG presented significant improvement on the functional capacity. The analysis of the effect size has shown a favorable response to the physical exercise in all dependent variables.

Conclusion: Walking on treadmill may be recommended as an augmentation treatment for patients with AD.