Exploring how physical activity affects cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Energy expenditure, cognitive function, and biomarker features of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11005293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how staying active might help keep your mind sharp and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and it's for anyone interested in understanding the connection between exercise and brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $125,010 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG080122-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are willing to engage in physical activity assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease who are unable to participate in physical activity assessments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between physical activity and cognitive decline, specifically focusing on Alzheimer's disease-related dementias. It aims to understand how two measures of energy expenditure—cardiorespiratory fitness and the energetic cost of walking—impact cognitive health. By analyzing these factors, the study seeks to uncover the physiological mechanisms that link physical activity to cognitive function and dementia risk. Participants may be involved in assessments that track their physical activity levels and cognitive performance over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or slowing cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking physical activity to cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dougherty, Ryan James — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Dougherty, Ryan James
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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.