Date of Graduation

Spring 2018

Degree

Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology

Department

Biomedical Sciences

Committee Chair

Benjamin Timson

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. The causative factors of this disease include modifications in neuronal cell metabolism, such as the progression of neurotic injury by amyloid beta (Aβ), and tau tangle deposition in the brain. Recent studies show that brain atrophy and other pathologic conditions are responsible for dementia in older individuals (80 years of age or older). Non-pharmacological interventions may have a role in both the prevention and slowing disease progression in AD. The role of exercise training in disease prevention has been evaluated in large epidemiological studies even though much less is known about the potential benefit of exercise training in patients already diagnosed with AD. Several studies in transgenic mouse models of AD suggest exercise training reduces soluble and insoluble Aβ levels in the brain. This study assessed the effectiveness of long-term exercise training (12-months) in an AD transgenic mouse model, Tg2576. Amyloid plaque levels and behavioral profile of mice were evaluated after 12 months of training. Mice that received daily exercise training demonstrated beneficial behavioral profile and reduced plaque counts in a dose-dependent manner.

Keywords

Alzheimer's disease, exercise training, cognition, Ab plaques, Tg2576 mice

Subject Categories

Neuroscience and Neurobiology

Copyright

© Riya R. Thomas

Open Access

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