Improving treatment strategies for older veterans at risk of dementia

Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: Refining Treatment Strategies and Testing Feasibility to Personalize Treatment for Older Veterans

NIH-funded research VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-10996000

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10996000 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older veterans who show signs of Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit symptoms of Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome or who have advanced dementia may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

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.