How daily activity levels affect cognitive function in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease

Variability and Volume of Day-to-Day Lifestyle Activity in Sustaining Cognitive Function among Insufficiently Active Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

NIH-funded research University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10841038

This study is looking at how everyday activities, like walking, can affect brain health in older adults who might be at risk for Alzheimer's and similar conditions, to help find easy ways for them to keep their minds sharp.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10841038 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between daily lifestyle activities and cognitive function in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It focuses on understanding how both the amount and variability of light-intensity physical activities, like walking, can influence cognitive health. By examining these factors, the study aims to identify practical, non-pharmacological strategies that older adults can adopt to potentially sustain their cognitive abilities. The approach includes monitoring participants' daily activity levels and assessing their cognitive function over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are insufficiently active and at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients who are already highly active or those with advanced dementia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older adults with effective, low-intensity activity recommendations to help maintain their cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that light-intensity physical activity can have positive effects on cognitive health, but this study explores a novel aspect of daily variability in activity levels.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, 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.
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.