EC Neurology

Sleep problems are common in institutionalized elders and are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Recent research has proved that sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm have been related to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and would influence the progression of the pathology and lead to both cognitive and non-cognitive disabilities. The last decade has observed increasing recognition of the beneficial role of exercise in brain diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders in particular.

In this review, we will focus on the therapeutic role of physical exercise for sleep disorders in older patients with Alzheimer disease. We integrated multitude possible mechanisms of sleep deprivation leading to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. The role of neuroinflammation, circadian rhythm and sleep disturbances play a basic role in tau generation and Aβ deposition. Available data suggest that physical exercise may have the potential to improve sleep quality and delay the progression of cognitive impairments. However, additional research is required in order to examined and understand the most effective exercise therapy for this disease; the best way to monitor the response to interventions; the beneficial influence of physical exercise on sleep dysfunction in Alzheimer disease; and the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced sleep improvements.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s Disease; Sleep Disorders; Physical Activity; Cognitive Function; Aged Patients

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