Aerobic exercise for older adults at increased risk of Alzheimer's and related dementias

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional project assigns inactive adults aged 50–80 with self-reported memory complaints and one or more vascular risk factors to an aerobic exercise program or a stretching/strength program to compare effects on brain health. Investigators measure cognitive performance and cerebral blood flow and apply a translational physiology approach to explore biological mechanisms linking exercise to brain outcomes. The goal is to understand how exercise may prevent or slow age-related declines in cognition and brain function. Eligibility emphasizes subjective memory complaints, limited recent vigorous activity, and common vascular risk factors.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* inactive men and women aged 50-80 years (inclusive) with subjective cognitive symptoms but no dementia who have one or more vascular risk factors (see below) for ADRD;
* Inactivity will be assessed with a physical activity questionnaire and defined as engagement in \<3 sessions/week of 20 min or more of vigorous exercise;
* Subjective cognitive symptoms will be self-reported using the MAC-Q Memory Complaint Questionnaire, recently validated as a measure of subjective memory complaints in healthy elderly subjects, in patients with mild cognitive impairment, and in relation to AD biomarkers; participants with a score of ≥25 will be considered eligible.
* Vascular risk factors for ADRD including the following:
* history of hypertension;
* diabetes mellitus;
* obesity (body mass index (BMI) \<40 kg/m2)
* elevated cholesterol;
* currently smoking;
* past history of coronary artery disease without recent (\<5 years) symptoms.

Participants must provide a completed PAR-Q+ form (www.csep.ca), the standard method of obtaining physician approval for participation in an exercise program. For participants without a family doctor to provide this form, we will provide information on how to find a family doctor.

Exclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of a developmental handicap;
* history of dementia (DSM-V criteria)\*\*;
* terminal illness (life expectancy \< 1 year)
* not fluent in verbal and written English;
* history of stroke;
* currently participating in another trial;
* comorbid medical or neurological illnesses (e.g., multiple sclerosis) that would confound cognitive assessments or make trial completion unlikely (in the site investigator's opinion);
* contraindication for the intervention;
* contraindication for an MRI exam.
* \*\*Existing or suspected dementia will be identified by medical history, cognitive impairment on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-modified; score≤ 20), or impaired Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) - a response of needs assistance or dependent due to cognitive impairments on any item on the Lawton scale.

Where it's running

• University of Calgary
  Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Marc J Poulin, PhD, DPhil — University of Calgary
• Study coordinator: Marc J Poulin, PhD, DPhil
• Email: poulin@ucalgary.ca
• Phone: 403-220-8372

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.