Understanding how exercise helps the brain in later life
Examining a dose-dependent exercise intervention on cerebrovascular plasticity in late adulthood
This research looks at existing information from a large exercise program to understand how aerobic activity might protect the brain and improve thinking skills in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111302 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that aerobic exercise is a promising way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and to boost brain health in older adults. However, we don't fully understand how exercise changes the brain to improve memory and thinking. This project will carefully examine data from a past large-scale exercise program to see how different amounts of exercise affect blood vessels in the brain. By doing so, we hope to uncover the specific ways exercise helps maintain brain structure and function, potentially leading to better cognitive health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to older adults interested in how exercise can support their brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients who are not interested in exercise as a preventative measure for cognitive decline may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand the best ways to use exercise to protect brain health and reduce the risk of dementia as people age.
How similar studies have performed: Aerobic exercise has been identified as one of the most promising methods for improving brain health and reducing dementia risk, and this project builds on data from a large clinical trial.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Tae — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kim, Tae
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.