Aerobic activity and environmental enrichment: Perspective for Alzheimer's patient

Aims. - This article summarizes the literature on some of the biological mechanisms involved in Alzheimer disease and their evolution in the context of non-pharmacological interventions. Actuality. - Regular aerobic physical activity and enriched environment are two methods derived from the metabolic hypothesis and the cognitive enrichment hypothesis respectively. Their effects on aerobic fitness, cardiorespiratory function, brain structure and cognition are clearly established in the aging process in humans and animals. In the field of Alzheimer's disease, these methods might halt mitochondrial, amyloidogenic and tau pathophysiological development. Perspectives. - In elderly patients, the use of exergames (active video games) develops in order to make physicals activities more attractive. These new technologies, with high potential, would propose simultaneously aerobic activity in an enriched environment. Intervention research on the feasibility and the effects of these exergames for Alzheimer patients may be a way forward. Conclusion. - We propose to use serious (exer)games to stimulate Alzheimer patients. These serious games, being specifically developed for Alzheimer patients, would be to integrate high intensity aerobic activity and enriched environment into a ludic and accessible therapy.