Effects of dance and music on brain health in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's

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 research investigates how dance movement and music appreciation can enhance memory and cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults concerned about memory loss. Participants aged 65 and older, who do not have a diagnosis of cognitive impairment, will be randomized into groups attending 1, 2, or 3 classes per week for 24 weeks. The study will include clinical assessments, such as brain MRIs, to evaluate the impact of these interventions on brain health. Classes will be conducted by local experts in accessible community locations.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive Change Index score ≥16
* Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥21
* Cognitively normal
* Low-active for past 6 months (\<30 min, 3 days/week of exercise, including walking for exercise)
* MRI compatible
* Willing and able to complete exercise testing.
* Has reliable transportation or is able to use transportation provided by the study.
* English speaking (needed for group class participation)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable or unwilling to attend intervention classes 1-3x/week
* Current diagnosis of a major neurological disorder (Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc.)
* Unwilling or unable to provide consent for study participation.
* Currently symptomatic or cortical stroke or stroke deemed exclusionary by the study physician. Reported or observed evidence of strokes on MRI will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the study physician to assess factors such as location, size, time since stroke, and residual symptoms.
* Taking medication during the intervention times that could negatively influence safety
* Current cancer treatment or other major medical problems that might independently affect cognition or movement or interfere with ability to attend intervention or study visits.
* Chronic vertigo.
* Enrolled in another interventional research study ≤3 months prior to beginning this study.
* Hip fracture, hip or knee replacement, or spinal surgery in past 6 months.
* Health contraindications for completing a graded exercise test and movement intervention, including uncontrolled hypertension (BP\>200/110 mmHg), hypertriglyceridemia (TG\>400 mg/dl), uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c \> 7.5), clinical evidence of anemia.
* Self-reports regularly drinking \> 14 alcoholic beverages a week or current illicit drug use.
* Unable or unwilling to understand study procedures and comply with them for the duration of the study.

Where it's running

• Wake Forest School of Medicine
  Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Christina Hugenschmidt, PhD
• Email: chugensc@wakehealth.edu
• Phone: 336-713-4190

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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.