Effects of Baduanjin exercise on memory and cognitive decline in older adults
Official title: Modulation effects of Baduanjin mind-body exercise on subjective cognitive decline
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10688181 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether practicing Baduanjin, a gentle exercise routine, can help older adults who feel like their memory is slipping but haven't been diagnosed with serious problems, by improving their memory and brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $806,069 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG063975-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10688181 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are experiencing subjective cognitive decline but do not yet have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other significant cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Baduanjin, a simple mind-body exercise, can help improve memory and cognitive function in older adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline. The study focuses on older individuals who report memory issues but have not yet developed significant clinical impairment. Participants will engage in Baduanjin exercises, which consist of eight easy movements that can be practiced at home with video guidance. The research aims to determine the effectiveness of this intervention in preventing further cognitive decline and enhancing brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-invasive, accessible method for older adults to improve their cognitive health and potentially delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that mind-body interventions like Baduanjin can significantly improve cognitive function in older adults, indicating a promising approach for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Jian — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kong, Jian
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.