Benefits of Multimodal Exercise Intervention for BDNF and Cytokines Levels, Cognitive Function, and Motor Functionality in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Preliminary Study

Emmanuel Dias de Sousa Lopes, Flávia Gomes de Melo Coelho, Sheilla Tribess, Jonatas da Silva Catarino, Bruno Naves Ferreira, Marina de Melo Reis, Antônio Ribeiro Neto, Carlo José Freire Oliveira and Jair Sindra Virtuoso Júnior ()
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Emmanuel Dias de Sousa Lopes: Center of Research in Physical Activity and Health, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38061-500, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Flávia Gomes de Melo Coelho: Center of Research in Physical Activity and Health, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38061-500, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Sheilla Tribess: Center of Research in Physical Activity and Health, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38061-500, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Jonatas da Silva Catarino: Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-350, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Bruno Naves Ferreira: Center of Research in Physical Activity and Health, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38061-500, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Marina de Melo Reis: Center of Research in Physical Activity and Health, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38061-500, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Antônio Ribeiro Neto: Center of Research in Physical Activity and Health, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38061-500, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Carlo José Freire Oliveira: Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-350, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Jair Sindra Virtuoso Júnior: Center of Research in Physical Activity and Health, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38061-500, Minas Gerais, Brazil

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Background: Physical exercise has been linked to improvements in motor and cognitive functions as well as to the modulation of neurotrophic and inflammatory factors, particularly in older adults. This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week multimodal exercise program on cognitive function, motor performance, and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines in elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial design was employed, involving 23 participants aged 62 to 85 years diagnosed with mild to moderate AD. The intervention group ( n = 7) attended 60-minute sessions three times per week, incorporating aerobic, strength, flexibility, and motor coordination exercises, while the control group ( n = 8) maintained usual activities. Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial design was used, involving 23 participants aged 62 to 85 years. Of these, 15 had a clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate AD and were allocated to either an intervention group ( n = 7) or and AD control group ( n = 8). The remaining eight participants were cognitively healthy and formed a control group matched for age and sex, used exclusively for baseline comparisons. The intervention group participated in 60-minute sessions three times per week, including aerobic, strength, flexibility, and motor coordination exercises. The AD control group ( n = 8) maintained their usual daily routines. Results: Compared to baseline, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in executive and attentional functions, as measured by the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT); mobility, balance, gait speed, and lower limb strength also improved ( p < 0.05). Additionally, plasma BDNF levels increased significantly, and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels decreased. Conclusions: In conclusion, the multimodal exercise program resulted in cognitive and motor benefits and positively modulated biomarkers related to neuroplasticity and inflammation, supporting its potential as a complementary intervention in elderly individuals with AD.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; BDNF; physical exercise; elderly; cognition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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