Abstract
Introduction: This study examined longitudinal associations between self-reported exercise and cognition, with moderation by sex, in individuals with autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) mutations. We also examined whether changes in exercise over time differed in ADAD mutation carriers versus non-carriers in the years preceding first cognitive symptom onset. Methods: Participants (n = 491) were ADAD mutation carriers (63%) and non-carriers (37%) from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network aged 37.6 ± 11.1 years. Participants reported their average time partaking in various leisure-time exercise activities over the past 12 months. Results: Greater baseline exercise predicted better longitudinal cognitive performance. Sex did not moderate these associations. In the years preceding first cognitive symptoms or last follow-up visit, mutation carriers showed a decline in their exercise engagement compared to mutation non-carriers. Discussion: Self-reported exercise is associated with preserved cognitive function in those with ADAD mutations; however, AD-related pathways may influence the level of engagement in exercise prior to cognitive symptom onset. Highlights: Greater weekly exercise predicts slower cognitive decline in ADAD mutation carriers. These associations varied dependent on closeness to estimated symptom onset. These associations were not moderated by sex. Weekly exercise declined in ADAD mutation carriers compared to non-carriers. Results may suggest a bidirectional relationship between exercise and AD risk.
RAS ID
82503
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
6-1-2025
Volume
21
Issue
6
Funding Information
National Health and Medical Research Council / Western Australian Future Health Research & Innovation Fund / National Institute on Aging / Alzheimer's Association (SG-20-690363-DIAN) / German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases / Raul Carrea Institute for Neurological Research / Research and Development Grants for Dementia from Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development / Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute / Ministry of Health & Welfare and Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea (RS-2024-00344521) / Spanish Institute of Health Carlos III
PubMed ID
40534311
School
Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care / Centre for Precision Health / School of Medical and Health Sciences
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : GNT1197315
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Publisher
Wiley
Identifier
Ralph N. Martins: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4828-9363
Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7328-9624
Samantha L. Gardener: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1933-5260
Hamid Sohrabi: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8017-8682
Belinda M. Brown: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7927-2540
Comments
Sewell, K. R., Doecke, J. D., Martins, R. N., Rainey‐Smith, S. R., Peiffer, J., Gardener, S. L., Sohrabi, H. R., Erickson, K. I., & Brown, B. M. (2025). Longitudinal associations between self‐reported exercise levels and cognition in ADAD. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 21(6). https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.70383