Improving brain function through exercise and cognitive training for people with mild cognitive impairment
Adaptive Working Memory and Physical Exercise Training to Improve Brain and Mitochondrial Function in MCI
NA · University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT05948930
This study is testing if a 12-week program that combines exercise and brain training can help improve thinking skills in adults aged 50-80 with mild cognitive impairment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Maryland, Baltimore (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT05948930 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary adults aged 50-80 with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients who are physically active or do not have access to a computer or internet may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance cognitive function and delay the progression of dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar combined approaches of exercise and cognitive training, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland
- 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
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.
Conditions: Mild Cognitive Impairment