How physical activity throughout life affects brain health and resilience to Alzheimer's disease

Physical activity over the adult life course and cognitive resilience to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

NIH-funded research Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10989888

This study is looking at how different types and amounts of exercise throughout adulthood can help keep your brain healthy and strong as you get older, especially in relation to Alzheimer's and other memory issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10989888 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how engaging in physical activity at different stages of adulthood can influence cognitive resilience against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It aims to understand the relationship between the frequency and type of physical activity and cognitive function, particularly in older adults. By analyzing data from the Framingham Heart Study, the research will employ advanced statistical and machine learning methods to identify patterns and correlations. The goal is to determine if certain physical activities can help maintain cognitive health as people age.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are interested in maintaining or improving their cognitive health through physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not aged 65 or older or those who have existing severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted physical activity recommendations that enhance cognitive resilience and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the positive effects of physical activity on cognitive function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.