Staying Active to Help Prevent Alzheimer's and Related Dementias
Mechanisms of Adherence to Light Intensity Physical Activity to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
This project explores how technology can help middle-aged adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease stay physically active over time to protect their brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11101192 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that being physically active can help protect your brain as you get older, but it can be hard to stick with it for many years. This project uses everyday technology like smartphones and smartwatches to help people maintain light physical activity. Participants will receive personalized daily step goals and reminders to encourage long-term healthy habits. The goal is to find effective ways to support consistent activity that could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged adults, aged 21 and older, particularly those 65 and older, who have obesity and are at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, or who are unable to engage with smartphone-based activity monitoring, may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies that help people maintain healthy behaviors for many years, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous physical activity interventions have shown positive cognitive outcomes in older adults, but maintaining these behaviors long-term has been challenging.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hakun, Jonathan G. — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hakun, Jonathan G.
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 below.