The effects of exercise on stress hormones and brain health in Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Exercise, Stress Biomarkers, and Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathology
Funded at Adventhealth Orlando · NIH-10885600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how regular aerobic exercise might help keep your brain healthy as you age by checking cortisol levels in hair samples from older adults who have been exercising, with the hope of finding ways to prevent or treat memory problems related to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Adventhealth Orlando NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $487,606 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG087171-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cognitively normal older adults aged 21 and above who are interested in participating in an exercise program.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with existing cognitive impairments or those who are unable to engage in aerobic exercise may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aerobic exercise may influence brain health and cognitive function in older adults by examining its effects on cortisol levels, a hormone linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. The study will analyze hair samples to measure cortisol concentration in a large group of cognitively healthy older adults who have participated in a structured exercise program. By understanding the relationship between exercise, stress hormones, and brain health, the research aims to identify potential strategies for preventing or treating cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how regular exercise may help protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the positive effects of exercise on cognitive health, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial.
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.