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The Powerful Role of Exercise in Managing Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) a progressive neurodegenerative disorder

Characterised by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and changes in behaviour and mood. As one of the leading causes of dementia worldwide, AD poses significant challenges for individuals affected by the disease and their caregivers. However, emerging research suggests that exercise may hold promise as a non-pharmacological intervention to help manage the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Exercise has long been recognised for its numerous benefits to physical health, but its impact on cognitive function and brain health is increasingly gaining attention. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve brain function, promote neuroplasticity, and enhance cognitive performance in individuals with AD. Aerobic exercise, in particular, has been associated with positive effects on memory, attention, and executive function, which are commonly affected in Alzheimer’s disease.

One key study published in 2011 by Erickson et al. found that a 1-year exercise intervention involving moderate-intensity aerobic exercise led to increases in the size of the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory, and improvements in memory performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to AD. Similarly, a meta-analysis conducted by Groot et al. in 2018 concluded that exercise training significantly improved cognitive function in older adults with MCI, including memory, attention, and executive function.

Exercise also offers benefits beyond cognitive health for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve sleep quality, alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhance overall quality of life. Moreover, exercise can help mitigate some of the common comorbidities associated with AD, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which can exacerbate cognitive decline and contribute to disease progression.

So, what types of exercise are recommended for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease? According to research and expert recommendations, a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises, and mind-body activities can be beneficial. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, supplemented with strength training exercises targeting major muscle groups two days per week. Activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and tai chi are excellent options for promoting brain health and overall well-being.

It’s important to note that exercise recommendations should be tailored to individual preferences, abilities, and limitations. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as an exercise physiologist, can help develop a personalised exercise plan that addresses specific needs and goals.

In conclusion, exercise holds tremendous potential as a therapeutic intervention for managing Alzheimer’s disease. By incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines, individuals with AD can improve cognitive function, enhance brain health, and enjoy a better quality of life. With further research and awareness, exercise may emerge as a valuable tool in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

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Walter White

Manager of good vibes
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Being active has taken on a whole new meaning and I am 100% here for it. I like to fink I’m pretty active, and I keep up de vibes during team meetings – just making sure everyone’s hands are always moving (across my butt) because I know dat any exercise is good exercise. I keep close to everyone, real close, just to keep dem on their toes when dey walk by too.
Fings are always better when I am der so if you need some good vibes, I will be der for you.
Brb just going to have a snooze.
Love and licks,
Wally

Ailish Rice

Exercise Physiologist
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I have always imagined I would go into a career that combined my passion for exercise with the opportunity to help people, and I found my perfect match in Exercise Physiology!
My role has progressed over the last few years, from coaching gymnastics, to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, and now an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
As Be Physiology, I can apply my knowledge and skills to support clients living with neurological conditions, chronic illnesses, pain or injuries.

As both a participant and an EP, I have a keen interest in CrossFit, clinical Pilates, women’s health, and all things exercise-related! Ultimately, I am eager to support a diverse range of clients through their rehabilitation and towards their individualised goals, using movement as medicine.
Eddie Carroll

Eddie Carroll

Exercise Physiologist

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Growing up, sport and physical activity were simply a part of life and not much has changed since. These days you’ll find me in the gym, playing social volleyball, soccer, or out watching the footy. That lifelong love of movement is a big part of what drew me to Exercise Physiology, and it’s something I bring into every session.

I work primarily with neurological and neurodevelopmental populations, including NDIS participants, and I find this work genuinely rewarding. Seeing someone move better, feel more capable, or achieve a goal they weren’t sure was possible is what drives me as an exercise physiologist.

I’m not focused on a particular diagnosis; I’m focused on the person in front of me. We all have things we want to achieve, and sometimes that means overcoming daily frustrations that others might overlook. I believe in listening, then building a specific program for you.

Exercise is one of the most underutilised tools in healthcare, if you’re ready to use it, I’d like to help!

Benji Wilksch | Mobile Exercise Physiologist

Benji Wilksch

Exercise Physiologist

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Hi, I’m Benji! 

I love being able to use my passion for health, fitness, and exercise to support people in moving and feeling their best. As an Exercise Physiologist, I’m lucky to do this every day. Sport and exercise have always played a big role in my life, with interests spanning cricket, athletics, and cross‑country running. These days, you’ll often find me strength training in the gym, running distances from 5km through to marathons, or taking on the occasional HYROX event.

Outside of work, I enjoy catching up with friends over a great coffee or unwinding by playing guitar.

Before joining Be Physiology, I worked as a strength and conditioning coach and group fitness coach. Since graduating university, I’ve stepped into my role as an Exercise Physiologist and strongly believe that movement is medicine — it has the power to make a real difference for a lot of people. I have a particular interest in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but ultimately, I’m passionate about helping anyone improve their confidence, function, and quality of life. I’m excited for what the future holds at Be Physiology.

Brittney White

Co-founder / Operations manager
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I’m NOT an exercise physiologist, but I do take my hat off to my team and get to admire the work they do each and every day. Be Physiology means that we’re able to apply our passion, and our experience, to make exercise physiology more accessible to the people who need it the most.
You might hear the team describe me as ‘the person who does everything else’, and that can be translated to ‘marketing and operations’. My background is marketing and business, which I’ve lived and breathed since 2011. I’ve worked in both the agency and corporate spaces, across many industries, with many amazing people and now with Be Physiology, I get to explore the health industry further and continue to meet the most incredible people who are the ones to define motivation.
If you’ve met Harry and our amazing exercise physiologists, you’d know that they don’t really need marketing – they’re genuine, have ridiculous amounts of charisma, knowledgeable, and extremely passionate about helping people to be a better version of themselves. But, sometimes getting an introduction is the hardest part and that’s where I come in.
If you want to chat, a coffee, a laugh, I’m always here to make one or all of them happen.
So call me and let’s keep sharing the love!

Harry White

Co-founder / supervisor
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The longer you work as an Exercise Physiologist (EP), the more you understand just how amazing exercise is for everyone, without exception. You also get to meet and work with people who have completely changed their lives through their own consistency and determination, this is when you realise that this is more than a job. It saves lives.
My expertise is spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders and helping clients to achieve an improved quality of life through rehabilitation and functional training. Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders can be slow but incredibly rewarding for clients when results are achieved, no matter how small. Assisting people through learning useful skills and functional training is the most important role that an EP can play to help people lead a more fulfilled life.
My perspective is different now to when I started, now when I see all the EPs graduating every year and getting excited knowing that they too will get the opportunity to be a part of something special.
Our team is full of people that want to be amazing EPs and who are striving to be the best, there is no better culture than that!
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