What constitutes ‘effective’ exercise for Alzheimer’s Disease? A project to assess if exercise can alter markers of disease pathology

Career overview

Professor Sarah Aldred is an exercise biochemist with a focus on oxidative stress and its implications for health and disease. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry from the University of Hull, an MSc in Toxicology, and a PhD in Biochemistry, both from the University of Birmingham. Professor Aldred has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including young and older individuals, as well as those affected by psychosis, schizophrenia, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. As the Head of the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham, she contributes to various teaching modules, including Perspectives in Metabolism and Nutrition, and Research Skills for Interdisciplinary Research. Her teaching excellence has been recognised with several awards, including the Head of School Award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in 2007 and the Excellent in Teaching Award in 2018 and 2020. Professor Aldred''s research expertise lies in the study of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, particularly Alzheimer''s disease, vascular dementia, and cardiovascular disease. She has been investigating the effects of exercise and dietary interventions on these diseases for over a decade. Since 2008, she has developed a unique research area focused on the impact of exercise on Alzheimer''s disease pathology, gaining national and international recognition. Recently, she received funding from the Alzheimer''s Society to explore oxidative stress in Alzheimer''s disease and was awarded a SPARC grant to study the effects of exercise on lipoprotein oxidation in older adults. In addition to her research, Professor Aldred is actively involved in professional organisations such as The Biochemical Society, The Society for Free Radical Research, The American College of Sports Medicine, The Society of Toxicology, and the European College of Sports Science. She is also a member of the Alzheimer’s Society and has presented her work at various public events, including the British Science Festival. Furthermore, she serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Sports Sciences and is a founding member of the Alzheimer’s Research UK Midlands Network of researchers. Throughout her career, she has held several administrative roles within the School, College, and University.

Research interests

Professor Aldred''s research focuses on oxidative stress and its impact on redox homeostasis in health and disease. She has extensive experience working with various populations, including young and old individuals, as well as those suffering from psychosis, schizophrenia, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Her specific research interests include the pathology and mechanisms of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Professor Aldred aims to determine the effects of exercise and dietary interventions on disease processes. Since 2008, she has developed a unique area of research investigating the effects of exercise on Alzheimer’s disease pathology, which has gained national and international recognition. Recently, she has been funded by the Alzheimer''s Society to study oxidative stress in Alzheimer''s disease and received a SPARC award to investigate the effect of exercise on lipoprotein oxidation in older adults. Additionally, she has led studies on the effects of extreme exercise on endogenous antioxidants and welcomes applications from potential doctoral researchers in her areas of interest.