Investigating the effects of indoor cycling on slowing Alzheimer's disease progression in older adults at genetic risk.
Official title: CYCLE-AD: Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Indoor Cycling in Slowing Disease Progression in Healthy Older Persons at Genetic Risk for Alzheimers Disease
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11009531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high-intensity indoor cycling might help protect the brain health of healthy older adults aged 65 to 80 who have a specific gene linked to Alzheimer's disease, by comparing their cognitive function and brain scans before and after the exercise program.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,355,971 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG070736-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy older adults aged 65 to 80 who carry the APOE ε4 allele and are currently sedentary.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not genetically at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those who are already highly active may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the impact of high-intensity indoor cycling on healthy older adults who carry the APOE ε4 allele, a significant genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Participants aged 65 to 80 will be randomly assigned to either a cycling group or a control group, with the cycling group engaging in home-based high-intensity interval training. The study aims to assess changes in cognitive function and brain imaging over time, providing insights into how physical activity may protect against cognitive decline. By monitoring participants' activity levels and health outcomes, the research seeks to establish a clear link between exercise and brain health in at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective intervention to slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease in genetically at-risk older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that physical activity can have protective effects against cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield positive results.
Where this research is happening
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Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Stephen Mark — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Rao, Stephen Mark
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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.