Background and Purpose: Alzheimer's disease is associated with secondary mood disorders such as depression alongside cognitive decline. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of swimming training, galantamine supplementation, and their interactive effect on depressive-like behaviors in an experimental model of Alzheimer's.

Methods: In this experimental study, forty-two male rats were randomly assigned to six groups: healthy control, disease control, sham, disease with galantamine, disease with swimming, and disease with both swimming and galantamine. Disease induction was performed via neurotoxin injection. Interventions consisted of eight weeks of swimming training (five sessions per week with progressive overload) and daily galantamine administration. Depressive-like behaviors were assessed using the forced swim test by recording immobility duration.

Results: Disease induction caused a severe increase in depressive-like behaviors and immobility duration. However, swimming training and galantamine administration individually led to a significant reduction in immobility time and improved mood symptoms. Interactive analysis showed that when swimming training is performed, the depression index remains low; however, in sedentary conditions, galantamine administration serves as a successful alternative intervention to reduce depression.

Conclusion: Swimming training and galantamine supplementation are both effective methods for controlling depressive-like behaviors in Alzheimer's models. Exercise exhibits independent efficacy, while the medication serves as an efficient alternative during physical inactivity.