Benefits of Multimodal Exercise Intervention for BDNF and Cytokines Levels, Cognitive Function, and Motor Functionality in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Preliminary Study

Background: Physical exercise has been linked to improvements in motor and cognitive functions as well as to the modulation of neurotrophic and inflammatory factors, particularly in older adults. This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week multimodal exercise program on cognitive function, motor performance, and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cytokines in elderly individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial design was employed, involving 23 participants aged 62 to 85 years diagnosed with mild to moderate AD. The intervention group ( n = 7) attended 60-minute sessions three times per week, incorporating aerobic, strength, flexibility, and motor coordination exercises, while the control group ( n = 8) maintained usual activities. Methods: A non-randomized controlled trial design was used, involving 23 participants aged 62 to 85 years. Of these, 15 had a clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate AD and were allocated to either an intervention group ( n = 7) or and AD control group ( n = 8). The remaining eight participants were cognitively healthy and formed a control group matched for age and sex, used exclusively for baseline comparisons. The intervention group participated in 60-minute sessions three times per week, including aerobic, strength, flexibility, and motor coordination exercises. The AD control group ( n = 8) maintained their usual daily routines. Results: Compared to baseline, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in executive and attentional functions, as measured by the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT); mobility, balance, gait speed, and lower limb strength also improved ( p < 0.05). Additionally, plasma BDNF levels increased significantly, and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels decreased. Conclusions: In conclusion, the multimodal exercise program resulted in cognitive and motor benefits and positively modulated biomarkers related to neuroplasticity and inflammation, supporting its potential as a complementary intervention in elderly individuals with AD.