INFLUENCE OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON MOBILITY AND COGNITION OF PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE:AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and represents a significant public health challenge due to the progressive increase in the elderly population and the lack of a definitive cure. Characterized by progressive cognitive and functional decline, AD compromises the autonomy and quality of life of affected individuals. Therefore, physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, has been studied as a non-pharmacological strategy capable of slowing the progression of the disease and promoting cognitive and motor benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on the mobility and cognition of patients with Alzheimer's disease. This is an integrative, exploratory review conducted by searching the PubMed databases using the descriptors "Alzheimer's disease" and "aerobic exercises," covering the period 2020 to 2025. Experimental and observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing the effects of aerobic exercise at different stages of the disease were included. The results indicate that regular aerobic exercise improves cognitive performance, especially in executive functions and memory, in addition to promoting functional mobility and balance. These benefits are related to the release of neurotrophic factors, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), which promote neuroplasticity and angiogenesis. The conclusion is that aerobic exercise constitutes an effective and safe non-pharmacological intervention with the potential to preserve autonomy, delay cognitive and functional decline, and improve the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease.