Combining exercise and cognitive training to prevent cognitive decline in older adults with cardiovascular risk factors
Impacts of Aerobic, Resistance and Cognitive Training Interventions on Neurocognitive Functions in Older Adults With Cardiovascular Risk Factors.
This study is testing whether combining exercise with brain training can help older adults with heart health issues keep their thinking skills sharp.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 159 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Montreal Heart Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT04962061 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The ACTIONcardioRisk trial investigates the effects of a combined intervention of aerobic and progressive resistance training exercises along with cognitive training on the neurocognitive functioning of sedentary older adults. This study focuses on individuals aged 60 and older, particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension. By comparing the outcomes of physical exercise alone versus combined with cognitive training, the trial aims to assess improvements in cognitive performance and brain imaging results. The research addresses a significant gap in understanding how such interventions can benefit older adults with cardiovascular issues.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are sedentary adults aged 60 and older with no cognitive impairment and at least one cardiovascular risk factor.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed dementia, severe exercise intolerance, or significant cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance cognitive function and quality of life for older adults at risk of cognitive decline due to cardiovascular factors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive effects of combined physical and cognitive training in older adults, but this specific approach targeting those with cardiovascular risk factors is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult aged 60 and older, * Normal or corrected vision and normal hearing for their age range, * No cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination - MMSE ≥ 25), * Inactive (\< 150 min of physical activity per week). Exclusion Criteria: * MMSE ≤ 24 or diagnosis of dementia, * Uncontrolled psychological / psychiatric condition within the past 6 months, * Neurological disease, * Severe exercise intolerance, * Respiratory disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), * Excessive alcohol consumption (\> 15 drinks/week), * Documented cerebral, peripheral or coronary atherosclerotic disease, * Chronic systolic or diastolic heart failure, * Symptomatic aortic stenosis, * Atrial fibrillation, * Automatic implantable defibrillator or permanent pacemaker, * Malignant exertional arrhythmias, * Non-cardiopulmonary limitation to exercise (e.g., arthritis).
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- Preventive medicine and physical activity centre (centre EPIC), Montreal Heart Institute — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Louis Bherer, PhD — Montreal Heart Institute
- Study coordinator: Louis Bherer, PhD
- Email: louis.bherer@umontreal.ca
- Phone: 514-374-1480
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.