Effects of Strengthening Exercise on the Brain for Early Dementia and Normative Older Adults
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Alzheimer Disease, Cognitive Studies, Neurology |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Neurology, Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 55 - Any |
| Updated: | 2/8/2015 |
| Start Date: | December 2010 |
| End Date: | April 2011 |
| Contact: | Cay Anderson-Hanley, PhD |
| Email: | andersoc@union.edu |
| Phone: | 518-388-6430 |
Neuropsychological and Neuroimaging Effects of Strengthening Exercise for Early Dementia and Normative Older Adults
This study will evaluate the effects of low-intensity strengthening exercise on the brain
(thinking and processing speed) for patients with early dementia, compared with normative
older adults. Participants will engage in 3 months of exercise 3-5 times per week using a
chair and small weights. It is hypothesized that there will be a significant improvement in
brain function.
(thinking and processing speed) for patients with early dementia, compared with normative
older adults. Participants will engage in 3 months of exercise 3-5 times per week using a
chair and small weights. It is hypothesized that there will be a significant improvement in
brain function.
1. Objective(s): This study will evaluate the neuropsychological and neurophysiological
effects of low-intensity strengthening exercise for patients with early dementia,
compared with normative older adults.
2. Research Design: This is a quasi-experimental design in which change over time as a
result of the exercise intervention will be compared with change over time seen in a
normative sample.
3. Methodology: The aim is to enroll 12 participants with early dementia and 12 normative
controls, all who are interested in starting a strengthening exercise program.
Neuropsychological evaluation, EEG neuroimaging, and biomarker data collection will
commence prior to the start of exercise. Participants will participate in an exercise
class 2-3x/wk for three months. Repeat neuropsychological, EEG, and biomarker
evaluations will occur at the conclusion of three months of exercise. The exercises
consist of low-intensity exercises, using a chair and small weights. A leader trained
in the Tufts University exercise model will conduct the classes.
4. Findings: The investigators hypothesize a positive impact of exercise on
neuropsychological function, especially performance on tasks requiring executive
functions. This change will be compared with performance of normative controls who
also exercise. Changes in brain function will be explored using EEG and biomarkers
(e.g., BDNF), and results are expected to be similar to prior research examining older
adult exercisers which shows improvement in function.
effects of low-intensity strengthening exercise for patients with early dementia,
compared with normative older adults.
2. Research Design: This is a quasi-experimental design in which change over time as a
result of the exercise intervention will be compared with change over time seen in a
normative sample.
3. Methodology: The aim is to enroll 12 participants with early dementia and 12 normative
controls, all who are interested in starting a strengthening exercise program.
Neuropsychological evaluation, EEG neuroimaging, and biomarker data collection will
commence prior to the start of exercise. Participants will participate in an exercise
class 2-3x/wk for three months. Repeat neuropsychological, EEG, and biomarker
evaluations will occur at the conclusion of three months of exercise. The exercises
consist of low-intensity exercises, using a chair and small weights. A leader trained
in the Tufts University exercise model will conduct the classes.
4. Findings: The investigators hypothesize a positive impact of exercise on
neuropsychological function, especially performance on tasks requiring executive
functions. This change will be compared with performance of normative controls who
also exercise. Changes in brain function will be explored using EEG and biomarkers
(e.g., BDNF), and results are expected to be similar to prior research examining older
adult exercisers which shows improvement in function.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult Day Program Participants with early dementia able to consent or assent with
surrogate permission
- Control participants (55-100+ yo) able to participate at location with doctor
permission
Exclusion Criteria:
- history of significant TBI, psychiatric condition, substance abuse, physical
conditions that preclude participation in cognitive testing or strengthening
exercises
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