Belinda Brown

Preliminary studies have demonstrated that an exercise regimen can protect against cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, new evidence from Dr Brown’s PhD project has identified intensity of exercise as a likely mediating factor associated with these benefits. Within individuals suffering from AD, it is unlikely that exercise can provide a therapeutic effect. Regardless, a large proportion of the aged community present as Memory Complainers, individuals at risk of developing AD, yet in whom, the disease course may still be responsive to intervention.

Therefore the aim Dr Brown’s research is to assess the impact of a six month high- and low-intensity cycle-based exercise intervention on cognitive function and biological markers associated with Alzheimer's disease (measured in blood and by brain imaging) in 176 Memory Complainers. Furthermore the impact of genetic factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk on responses to exercise within this population will be assessed.

Dr Brown is currently based at the School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University. Her two year half funded AADRF fellowship began in early 2014.