How exercise affects brain health in older adults with dementia
Official title: Physical Activity and Dementia: Mechanisms of Action
Funded at Adventhealth Orlando · NIH-11094806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how staying active can help improve brain health in older adults with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, and it aims to find ways to make it easier for them to keep exercising regularly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Adventhealth Orlando NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $627,895 |
| NIH project number | 5R35AG072307-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing cognitive impairment or who have severe physical limitations that prevent them from participating in exercise may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It aims to uncover the mechanisms by which exercise influences brain health and identify factors that affect individual responses to exercise. The study will also explore how to encourage long-term exercise habits among older adults, addressing barriers they may face. By understanding these elements, the research seeks to provide actionable insights for improving cognitive health through physical activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective exercise-based interventions that enhance cognitive function and quality of life for individuals with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the benefits of exercise on cognitive function in older adults, suggesting that this approach has potential for significant impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Adventhealth Orlando
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, Kirk I — Adventhealth Orlando
- Study coordinator: Erickson, Kirk I
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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.