Just like regular exercise can strengthen our muscles and improve our physical fitness, engaging in physical activity can also have a positive impact on our memory and cognitive function. A recent study explored the connection between physical activity and episodic memory, a crucial component of Alzheimer’s disease-related cognition, in older adults without dementia. The study found that physical activity had a significant association with episodic memory, but this effect was influenced by two factors: age and the presence of a specific genetic risk factor called the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE4). Specifically, the positive relationship between physical activity and episodic memory was observed primarily in individuals above the age of 70 and those who carried the APOE4 allele. This suggests that physical activity may have protective effects on memory, especially in older individuals who are at higher risk of cognitive decline. By considering age and genetic factors, healthcare professionals can take a personalized approach when recommending physical activity to promote cognitive health and potentially prevent Alzheimer’s disease-related decline. To learn more about this fascinating research and how exercise can keep your brain fit, be sure to explore the full article!

BackgroundAn abundance of evidence indicates that physical activity may protect against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related cognitive decline. However, little is known about the association between physical activity and AD-related cognitive decline according to age and the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele (APOE4) as major risk factors. Therefore, we examined whether age and APOE4 status modulate the effects of physical activity on episodic memory as AD-related cognition in non-demented older adults.MethodsWe enrolled 196 adults aged between 65 and 90 years, with no dementia. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessments including physical activity evaluation and APOE genotyping. The AD-related cognitive domain was assessed by the episodic memory, as the earliest cognitive change in AD, and non-memory cognition for comparative purposes. Overall cognition was assessed by the total score (TS) of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease neuropsychological battery.ResultsWe found significant physical activity × age and physical activity × APOE4 interaction effects on episodic memory. Subgroup analyses indicated that an association between physical activity and increased episodic memory was apparent only in subjects aged > 70 years, and in APOE4-positive subjects.ConclusionOur findings suggest that physical activity has beneficial effects on episodic memory, as an AD-related cognitive domain, in individuals aged > 70 years and in APOE4-positive individuals. Physicians should take age and APOE4 status account into when recommending physical activity to prevent AD-related cognitive decline.

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