Improving brain function through exercise and cognitive training for people with mild cognitive impairment

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 project aims to explore the effects of a 12-week intervention that combines progressive aerobic exercise with adaptive cognitive training on brain function in adults aged 50-80 with mild cognitive impairment. The study will assess improvements in cognition and brain health, particularly in individuals who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Participants will engage in structured exercise and cognitive tasks, with evaluations conducted to measure changes in cognitive abilities. The findings will inform the design of a larger clinical trial aimed at preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult men and women of all races and ethnicities who are 50-80 years of age will be eligible.
* Only sedentary adults will be eligible (engaging in structured activity for exercise \<3x/week) for Progressive aerobic exercise or Combined training
* Ability to use, and accessibility to, an iPad or computer is required for the Adaptive cognitive training and Combined training.
* Fluent in English.
* The diagnosis of MCI will first be confirmed at the screening evaluation using the clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). We will also evaluate their ADL using instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) to ensure they have preserved independence in functional abilities despite the cognitive deficits. The primary caregivers will be interviewed (either in person or by phone) for the participants' IADL to corroborate the independent functional status.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Does not have access to a computer or internet to perform the Cogmed® training AND is unwilling to come to the lab for the training.
* Unable to undergo an MRI investigation based on claustrophobia or metal foreign bodies.
* Symptomatic heart disease, Coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c\>10%), significant cardiovascular disorders (on EKG and graded exercise test) that would prevent the participant from the exercise training; neurologic, musculoskeletal, or other condition that limits the subject's ability to complete study physical assessments.
* Estimated verbal Intelligence Quotient (IQ) below 70 (based on the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading) which would invalidate the informed consent process for the study.
* Self-reported moderate to severe substance use disorder(s) (e.g., self-reported intake \>3 oz liquor, or three 4 oz glasses of wine, or three 12 oz cans of beer per day or illicit drug use).
* Severe chronic or acute medical or other (non-MCI) neuropsychiatric conditions that might confound the cognitive or brain imaging measures (e.g., liver function tests \>2.5 normal range or evidence for renal failure).
* Body mass index \>40 kg/m2.

Where it's running

• University of Maryland Baltimore
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Linda Chang, M.D., M.S.
• Email: LChang@som.umaryland.edu
• Phone: 410 706 1036

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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.