Effects of a 12-Week Multicomponent Exercise Program on Cognitive Function, Depression, Physical Performance, Quality of Life and Serum Irisin in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease with Mild Cognitive

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Exercise Physiology, , Faculty of Sport Sciences; University of Isfahan Isfahan, HezarJerib Street, P.O. Box 81746-7344, IR

2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

3 Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Center, Cardiovacular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

10.22089/mbj.2026.19453.2278
Abstract
Background and Objective: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and reduced functional abilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week multicomponent exercise program on cognitive function, physical performance, quality of life, and serum irisin levels in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial with a pretest–posttest design, 47 patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (mean age: 74.62 ± 5.80 years; MMSE: 21–26) participated. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 23), which performed a multicomponent exercise program consisting of aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises three times per week for 60 minutes per session over 12 weeks, or the control group (n = 24), which received usual care. Cognitive function, depression, physical performance, quality of life, and serum irisin levels were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results: After 12 weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements compared with the control group in MMSE (p < 0.001), BDI (p < 0.001), TUG (p < 0.001), 30s-CST (p < 0.001), Berg Balance Scale (p < 0.001), quality of life (p < 0.001), and serum irisin levels (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: A 12-week multicomponent exercise program improved cognitive and physical function, and increased serum irisin levels in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest a potential mediating role of irisin in the neuroprotective effects of exercise and highlight the importance of exercise interventions during the early stages of the disease.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 15 August 2026

  • Receive Date 01 June 2026
  • Revise Date 21 July 2026
  • Accept Date 26 July 2026