Improving treatment strategies for older veterans at risk of dementia
Official title: Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: Refining Treatment Strategies and Testing Feasibility to Personalize Treatment for Older Veterans
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-10996000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at older veterans who might be at risk for dementia and want to see if two different treatments—one that focuses on physical training and another that uses music—can help improve their walking and thinking skills, so they can feel better and stay more active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2RX005294-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older veterans who show signs of Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not exhibit symptoms of Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome or who have advanced dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on older veterans who are at risk of developing dementia, specifically those exhibiting Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome, which is characterized by slow walking speed and cognitive complaints. The study aims to explore the effectiveness of two treatment approaches: Functional Power Training (FPT) and Music-Based Digital Therapy (MBDT), which are designed to enhance mobility and cognitive function. By using a personalized adaptive approach, the research will identify which treatments work best for individual patients, potentially leading to improved outcomes. The study will involve a pilot trial with veterans to test these interventions over a five-year period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide tailored treatment options that significantly improve mobility and cognitive health for older veterans at risk of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using physical activity and cognitive interventions for improving outcomes in similar populations, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogawa, Elisa — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Ogawa, Elisa
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.