How fitness affects brain health and memory in older adults
Official title: Neural Mechanisms for Associations Between Fitness and Cognition in Aging
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10913650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how staying physically fit might help older adults, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's, keep their brains healthy and sharp as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 29, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $642,493 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG078366-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who carry the APOE-ε4 allele and are concerned about cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have concerns about cognitive health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function in older adults, particularly those at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing brain imaging data, the study aims to understand how cardiorespiratory fitness may protect against cognitive decline and maintain brain health. The researchers will explore neural connectivity and brain structure to identify potential mechanisms of neuroprotection. This work could provide insights into lifestyle factors that may help mitigate the effects of aging on memory and cognition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that enhance cognitive health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that physical activity can positively influence cognitive function in aging populations, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Jerome Carson — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Smith, Jerome Carson
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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.