Effects of Baduanjin exercise on memory and cognitive decline in older adults

Modulation effects of Baduanjin mind-body exercise on subjective cognitive decline

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10688181

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10688181 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.