Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Major Depression in Patients with Mild Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, represents a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the elderly population. Emerging evidence suggests depression may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment and AD progression. While physical activity is generally recognized for its mood-enhancing properties, its specific role in managing depression in AD patients requires further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of structured aerobic exercise as an adjunctive therapy for major depression in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. In a randomized controlled trial, 40 participants (age range: 60-80 years) diagnosed with major depression and mild AD were allocated into two groups. The experimental group (n=20) received a combination of antidepressant medication (SSRI) and a supervised aerobic exercise program, consisting of treadmill walking for 30 minutes at 3.5 km/h, three times per week for four weeks. The control group (n=20) received antidepressant medication only. The primary outcome, depression severity, was measured at baseline, at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks post-intervention using the HDRS. While both groups showed significant improvements in HDRS scores from baseline (p