Aerobic exercise (half-hour workout 4-5x weekly) slowed the loss of brain volume in the hippocampus in elderly people with amyloid brain plaques and memory problems compared to those that did flexibility training only.

A large clinical trial is underway. The trial, which includes six medical centers across the country, involves more than 600 older adults (ages 60-85) at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study will measure whether aerobic exercise and taking specific medications to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol can help preserve brain volume and cognitive abilities.