Impact of Physical Activity on Successful Aging: Multidisciplinary Analysis of Mechanisms and Outcomes

Detailed Summary

Emerging literature suggests that vascular factors might be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Other recent studies demonstrate the positive effects of physical activity on cognitive and behavioral disturbances of patients with AD. Therefore, it has been postulated that exercise enchantment in cerebral circulation is the physiological mechanism that link physical exercise and reduction of AD symptoms. Consequently, a program of physical activity could be considered one approach to counteract dementia by improving cerebrovascular health. However at this moment, it is not clear if the progressive brain vascular dysfunction and hypoperfusion, associated with the β-amyloid deposition, might be reversed or stabilized by an exercise intervention. The aim of this study is to assess, in patients with AD, the influence of physical exercise, compared to cognitive stimulation, on: * Cognitive function; * Independence in daily living and behavioral symptoms; * Vascular function Finally, to investigate the physiological processes on the basis of the motor parameters' changes, the performances of the patients will be compared with the performances of healthy young and old subjects. MAIN OBJECTIVE: Investigate, in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and AD, the effects of a physical activity program, or cognitive stimulation on global cognitive function. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: Investigate the effects of the two treatments on: * cognitive and motor performances, * independence in activities of daily living, * behavioral symptoms, * peripheral vascular function.

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