Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 60 and up

Mindful walking and its effect on executive function in older adults at risk for dementia

Official title: The Impact of Mindful Walking on Neural Correlates of Executive Function in SC Older Adults at Risk of Alzheimer's and Dementias

Run by University of South Carolina · NCT07638046 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether mindful walking can help cognitive function in older adults who are at higher risk for dementia.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment54 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of South Carolina
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Columbia, South Carolina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 26, 2026
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2027
Study endsNovember 17, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT07638046 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 60+ who are sedentary and have at least one ADRD risk factor (family history, subjective cognitive complaints, or BMI >= 25).

Probably not a fit

Individuals with current ADRD, major brain disorders, or inability to complete mobile assessments may be less likely to benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This phase 2 randomized pilot trial compares mindful walking to walking alone in adults aged 60 and older who are sedentary and have at least one risk factor for dementia. Brain activity will be measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to explore neural changes associated with executive function. The study aims to determine feasibility, safety, and potential cognitive benefits to inform a future larger trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, mindful walking could help maintain or improve thinking skills in older adults at risk for dementia.

How similar studies have gone: Previous mindful walking studies focused on stress and mood; this trial tests cognitive effects and neural correlates, representing a novel extension.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 60 or older
2. Sedentary (sit ≥9hrs per day) and not meeting the US physical activity guidelines
3. Have at least one of the following ADRD risk factors:

   i. family history of ADRD (\>= first-degree relative) ii. subjective experience of cognitive complaints iii. currently overweight or obese (BMI≥25)
4. Adequate hearing, visual and cognitive ability to complete study tasks and assessments
5. Able to walk without others' assistance
6. Medically stable with or without medication (do not expect to have major health status changes or a surgery in the next 4 months)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of ADRD or other brain abnormalities (i.e., strokes, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease)
2. Diagnosis of mental disorders (i.e., depression)
3. Inability to complete surveys on mobile device or wear the activity monitor (i.e., due to arthritis, physical limitations, or other reasons)
4. Plan to move or have surgery in next 4 months
5. Currently participate in other study involving physical activity or cognitive training that may interfere with the study outcomes
6. Unable to provide consent due to disabilities

Where it's running

  • University of South Carolina
    Columbia, South Carolina, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.