Persisting brain benefits from aerobic exercise in older adults with memory concerns
Official title: Examining the Persistence of Neurocognitive Benefits of Exercise
Funded at Adventhealth Orlando · NIH-11377335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large NIH-supported program tests whether regular aerobic exercise helps maintain brain health and memory in adults aged 65-80, even after the active training ends.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Adventhealth Orlando NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $4,295,885 |
| NIH project number | 4RF1AG083156-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 65-80 with normal cognition who are willing to commit to long-term follow-up and supervised exercise.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who cannot participate in a long-term exercise program or have contraindications to moderate aerobic activity may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on a prior large trial to see if gains in brain function from a year-long aerobic exercise program last for years. It will follow participants over time to look at cognitive, brain imaging, and neuropathology-related outcomes. The study uses supervised exercise at multiple intensity levels and collects comprehensive data to understand who benefits most and why. Results could guide lifestyle recommendations to protect memory as people age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform long-term exercise strategies to preserve memory and brain health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior IGNITE trial showed high adherence and positive cardiorespiratory gains, suggesting potential for lasting cognitive benefits.
Where this research is happening
-
Adventhealth Orlando
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, Kirk I — Adventhealth Orlando
- Study coordinator: Erickson, Kirk I
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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.