Effect of Walking on Brain Fuel Consumption in Mild Alzheimer's Disease

Evaluating the Impact of Physical Exercise on Mild Alzheimer's Disease in a Randomized Clinical Trial: Quantification With 18F -FDG and 11C- AcAc PET Imaging

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a 3-month walking program on brain energy metabolism in patient with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). Two groups of sedentary patients with mild AD are followed and compared over a 3-month period of time: Control (non-active) and walking (from 15 to 45 minutes of exercise on a treadmill, 3 times a week for 12 weeks) groups. All the participants are evaluated on their cognition, brain volumes (MRI) and brain fuel consumption (PET scan with 18-FDG and 11C-AcAc) at the beginning and at the end of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of mild Alzheimer's disease (NINCDS-ADRDA criteria)
• Taking cholinesterase inhibitors
• Sedentary
• Ability to do physical exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

• Parkinson disease
• Down syndrome
• Epilepsy or concussion
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Past psychiatric history
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency
• Uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid function