Back to search results

Aerobic Exercise for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease

This study is looking at how different types of exercise affect older adults (65 and older) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to see if Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT), Chair-based Stretch, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), or Combined Aerobic Resistance Exercise (CARE) can improve fitness and reduce changes in the brain called white matter hyperintensities (WMH). The study also aims to find out which exercise is most effective and how exercise helps memory. This study is currently unclear about its recruitment status and plans to enroll 216 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study involving 216 participants. It is a Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial (SMART) design.
What's involved
You would participate in exercise sessions 3 times per week for 3 to 6 months. This also includes blood draws and MRI scans at the beginning and after 6 months.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your peak oxygen consumption and white matter hyperintensity volume will be measured at the start and after 6 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05877196

A SMART Trial of Adaptive Exercises to Optimize Aerobic-Fitness Responses

Recruiting
NAAges 65+InterventionalTreatment
Arizona State University
~216 participants
Updated 2026-05-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)Chair-based StretchHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)Combined Aerobic Resistance Exercise (CARE)

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Peak oxygen consumption
Measured over measured at 0 and 6 months
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment
Alzheimer Disease
Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive Decline
Memory Loss
Memory Impairment

Explore related trials

Alzheimer's DiseaseMild cognitive disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Arizona1

Study leadership

  • Fang Yu, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Arizona State University

Who to contact

Kristi Spieleder, MS
[email protected]
480-884-2765
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Clinical diagnosis of MCI or probable and possible mild AD dementia according to 2011 Alzheimer's association-NIA criteria.
Community-dwelling, e.g., homes and assisted living
Age 65 years and older
Medical clearance from PCP or cardiovascular provider
Have a qualified study partner
Agree to the blood draws
Verified MRI safety
Age 18 or older
Contact with participant ≥ 2 times per week for ≥ 6 months
Know the participant's memory status and ability to perform activities of daily living
Consent to participant

Exclusion

Resting HR ≤ 50 or ≥ 100 beats/min after 5-minutes of quiet resting
American College of Sports Medicine contraindications to exercise
New, unevaluated symptoms or diseases a healthcare provider has not evaluated
Abnormal cardiac condition uncovered during VO2peak testing
Enrollment in another intervention that aims at improving cognition
Moderate to strenuous exercise ≥150 minutes a week in the previous 6 months
≥ 2 anti-depression medications, or poorly managed or unstable depression
Poorly managed or unstable anxiety
none

What this trial measures

  • Peak oxygen consumptionmeasured at 0 and 6 months

    VO2peak will be assessed from the symptom-limited peak cycle-ergometer test

  • White Matter Hyperintensity volumemeasured at 0 and 6 months

    WMH will be assessed from MRI.