Alzheimer’s disease, epigenetics, and exercise

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and associated cognitive dysfunctions are a major global health concern for the 21st century. Within the next 30 years, it has been estimated that the number of people affected by incapacitating memory decline due to dementia will reach 115 million. To date, the pharmacologic intervention has, at best, proved minimally effective, but there is growing evidence that physical activity may be able to slow or prevent the onset of these problems. In this chapter, we examine the interactions between epigenetics, exercise, and other biological processes that might modify the risk of dementia. Our prime focus in this chapter is on AD.