Effect of Exercise Training in Alzheimer's Patients (ExCiTE-A)

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on physical function and biochemical markers in elderly Alzheimer's disease patients.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive and irreversible degeneration of nerve cells. The loss of these cells leads to the continuous decline in muscle function with alterations in biochemical and haematological parameters. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on physical function and biochemical markers in elderly Alzheimer's disease patients.

Subjects belonging to this arm underwent physical training for three months, twice per week (60 minutes per session).

The 3-likert test assesses balance and gait abilities with an individual sitting in an armless chair, rising up, staying standing, turning 360° and then sitting back down. Gait is scored over 12 and balance is scored over 16, totalling 28 points.

The 14-item 5-likert (from 0 to 4) scale objectively determines a patient's balance ability during a series of predetermined tasks. Scores of each item are summed up: the total score ranges from 0 to 56. The lowest the score the lowest is the level of function, the highest the score the highest is the level of function.

The test measures abilities of a patient initially in a seated position The patient is then asked to stand up up, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair and sit down.

This test is a dual-task test, consisting in walking while reciting the alphabet or alternate letters of the alphabet.

Inclusion Criteria: Subjects with official diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease; Subjects with MMSE higher than12. Exclusion Criteria: • Subjects with MMSE below 12 (indicating severe dementia and impairment).