How exercise affects brain health and Alzheimer's risk in older African Americans
Official title: Determinants of Individual Differences in the Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise to Improve Brain Health and Reduce Alzheimer Disease Risk in Older African Americans
Funded at Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark · NIH-10909220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how aerobic exercise, like cardio-dance, can boost brain health and lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older African Americans, while also looking at how genetics might affect how well exercise works for different people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $962,143 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG078211-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older African Americans, particularly those with a family history of Alzheimer's or those living in urban areas with limited access to exercise resources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not African American or those who do not fall within the older age demographic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aerobic exercise can improve brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease specifically in older African Americans. It focuses on understanding why some individuals respond better to exercise than others, particularly looking at genetic factors that may influence this response. The study will involve participants engaging in aerobic activities, such as cardio-dance, to assess changes in brain function and cognitive abilities over time. By identifying the relationship between exercise, genetics, and brain health, the research aims to provide tailored recommendations for improving health outcomes in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized exercise programs that significantly lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease for older African Americans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that aerobic exercise can enhance brain function, particularly in older adults, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration in this specific population.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gluck, Mark a — Rutgers the State Univ of Nj Newark
- Study coordinator: Gluck, Mark a
Related research
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Why aerobic exercise helps some older African American adults' brains more than others
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Understanding Alzheimer's Genetic Risk in African and Admixed African-American People
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Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s in African and admixed African-American communities
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Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease in African and African-American Ancestries
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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.