Patients diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's disease may benefit from regular exercise and physical activity, research suggests.

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that mild Alzheimer's patients may be able to preserve cognitive function for longer by maintaining a higher level of physical fitness.

The study, involved 121 participants aged 60 and above, and is the first of its kind to investigate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and Alzheimer's disease in older patients.

Researcher Dr Jeffrey M Burns, of the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, explained: "People with early Alzheimer's disease who were less physically fit had four times more brain shrinkage when compared to normal older adults than those who were more physically fit, suggesting less brain shrinkage related to the Alzheimer's disease process in those with higher fitness levels."

According to Dr Burns, evidence indicates that a decrease in brain volume can be linked to a decline cognitive function.

Alzheimer Europe states that between 50 and 70 per cent of all people diagnosed with dementia are suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

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