Physical Activity and the Myokine Irisin in Non-pharmacological Treatment of Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory impairment, synaptic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. The available treatment options primarily aim to temporarily alleviate symptoms without addressing the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on non-pharmacological approaches that may slow the progression of AD and improve cognitive function. One promising area is the investigation of irisin, a myokine released in response to physical activity that has been shown in recent studies to exert multifaceted neuroprotective effects. Irisin regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression, activates neurogenesis, improves insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, and reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that irisin improves memory performance, spatial learning, and synaptic plasticity in animal models of AD. Moreover, physical activity that promotes irisin secretion has been shown to improve cognitive function and overall well-being in patients with AD. This review summarizes current data on the mechanisms of irisin action and its role in the pathogenesis and treatment of AD. The review emphasizes the need for further research, particularly studies on pharmacological modulation of irisin and the integration of physical exercise into comprehensive treatment strategies. Irisin is considered a promising target for developing novel prevention and treatment strategies in AD.