The goal of this clinical trial is to test 6 months of aerobic exercise in older adults who are 65 years or older and have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or probable/possible mild Alzheimer's Disease. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* test the effects of aerobic exercise on aerobic fitness, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume, and patient-centered outcomes; * identify the best exercise to improve aerobic fitness and reduce non-responses over 6 months; and * examines the mechanisms of aerobic exercise's action on memory in older adults with early AD.
Participants will receive 6 months of supervised exercise, undergo cognitive data collection and exercise testing 5 times over a year span, have an MRI brain scan 3 times over a one-year span, and have monthly follow-up discussions on health and wellness.
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
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
Arizona State University
Lead sponsor
Banner Alzheimer's Institute
Collaborator