Improving physical activity and cognitive function in older adults
Official title: Roybal Center for Promoting Adherence to Behavior Change and Enhancing Cognitive Function
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11247618 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help middle-aged and older adults stay active, which is important for keeping their minds healthy and preventing Alzheimer's Disease, by figuring out what inspires them to stick to exercise routines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P30 center grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,004,816 |
| NIH project number | 7P30AG086637-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247618 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged and older adults who are looking to improve their physical activity levels and cognitive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already highly active or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create and test new ways to help middle-aged and older adults stick to physical activity routines, which is crucial for preventing Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. The project will involve clinical trials that focus on understanding what motivates people to change their behavior and how to maintain that change over time. By combining insights from various fields such as aging, behavioral science, and engineering, the team will develop effective interventions that can be applied in everyday life to boost both physical activity and cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved adherence to physical activity, thereby reducing the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and enhancing cognitive function in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that interventions aimed at increasing physical activity can be effective, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conroy, David E. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Conroy, David E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How specific anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood may affect memory and brain protection
This research is exploring whether natural or abnormal anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood influence memory, behavior, and brain protection in humans.
-
Mexican Teachers Cohort Study: Genetics and Cognitive Function
A large study using genetic data from Mexican teachers to discover genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in older adults.
-
Genetics and Cognitive Function in Mexican Teachers Cohort for Alzheimer’s Dementia
This grant funds a large study to find genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in Mexican teachers, with the goal of improving understanding of Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
-
How childhood nutrition affects health, thinking, and life outcomes by middle age
This project compares people who got extra nutrition as children with those who did not to understand differences in health, thinking, and life outcomes in middle age.
-
How the brain receptor mGlu1 affects thinking after teen cocaine exposure
This project looks at whether boosting mGlu1 receptor activity can restore brain inhibition and improve memory and flexible thinking after cocaine use during the teen years.
-
Canagliflozin to protect the aging brain and improve cognition in Alzheimer’s disease
Aging is linked to Alzheimer’s and this project tests whether the diabetes drug canagliflozin can help brain function and reduce inflammation in older adults with or at risk for Alzheimer’s/dementia.
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.