Neuro-Energetic and Oxidative Brain Changes in Long-Term Exercise
Official title: Neuro-Energetic and Oxidative Measure of Follow-up Longitudinal Assessment of Moderate Exercise
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11465485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study will explore how regular aerobic exercise affects brain energy use, oxidation, and dementia-related markers in adults 21 and older who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,253,590 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG091787-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11465485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or related neurodegenerative conditions who can participate in a long-term exercise program and undergo imaging and biomarker assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to participate in regular aerobic exercise or who cannot complete long-term follow-up and imaging assessments may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project builds on a previous 1-year exercise study by following participants for five more years to see if regular aerobic activity continues to benefit thinking, brain health, and AD-related pathology. It uses a novel Neuro-Energetic and Oxidative imaging approach alongside a rich set of physiological, behavioral, genetic, and cognitive data to uncover how energy metabolism and antioxidant defenses relate to long-term exercise effects. The findings could help explain why staying active protects the aging brain and identify factors that predict who benefits most. The study is conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center under the FLAME framework, with a focus on aging, AD risk, and related neurodegeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could clarify how exercise supports brain energy and oxidative balance, informing personalized lifestyle strategies to reduce dementia risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior follow-up studies of exercise in aging populations have shown cognitive and brain health benefits with sustained activity.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Phil — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Phil
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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.