Impact of home-based walking on cognitive function in older adults with kidney disease

Accelerated Age-related Cognitive Decline: Impact of Exercise on Executive Function and Neuroplasticity

Not applicable Interventional Columbia University · NCT05655325

This study is testing if a 6-month walking program at home can help older adults with kidney disease and memory problems improve their brain function and memory.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05655325 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine whether a 6-month home-based walking program can enhance memory and brain structure and function in older adults suffering from chronic kidney disease and mild cognitive impairment. Participants will undergo initial assessments of heart health, physical function, and cognitive abilities, followed by randomization into either the walking program or a health education group. Throughout the intervention, participants will receive a fitness tracker and ongoing telephone coaching to support their exercise regimen. After 6 months, participants will be reassessed to evaluate the effects of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals over 55 years old with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed dementia or those requiring assistive ambulation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive function and brain health in older adults with chronic kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with exercise interventions for cognitive decline, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Diagnosed stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<60 to 20 ml/min);

  * \>55 yrs of age
  * Mild cognitive impairment (18-26 on the MOCA)
  * ability to undergo an MR
  * no history of major head trauma (No head trauma/concussion with loss of consciousness)
  * Speaks, reads, writes English

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Diagnosed Dementia or a Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score of \<2, or a MOCA of \<18

  * Participating in a supervised exercise program with intent to increase fitness levels 3 days/week,
  * Requires assistive ambulation
  * Limited exercise capacity due to claudication; unstable angina, severe arthritis, extreme dyspnea on exertion, unstable coronary artery disease
  * Class III-IV heart failure
  * History of uncontrolled sustained arrhythmias, severe/symptomatic aortic or mitral stenosis, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, severe pulmonary hypertension, active myocarditis/pericarditis, thrombophlebitis, and recent systemic/pulmonary embolus
  * Resting systolic BP \>200 mmHg or resting diastolic BP \>110 mmHg
  * Any unforeseen illness or disability that would preclude cognitive testing or exercise training
  * One or more contraindication for MRI; cardiac pacemaker, aneurysm clip, cochlear implants, shrapnel, history of metal fragments in eyes, neurostimulators, diagnosed claustrophobia (MRI only)
  * Any self-reported major psychiatric disorders requiring medical therapy (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
  * Self-reported new diagnosis of clinical depression within 3 months of enrollment or unstable clinical depression requiring medication adjustment within 3 months of enrollment

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mild Cognitive ImpairmentChronic Kidney Diseasesmild cognitive impairmentchronic kidney diseaseexerciseLifestyle behaviorhome-based exercise
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.