Active AMD Study to Improve Function in Veterans

Aim 1 is to determine if exercise training preserves visual outcomes in Veterans with intermediate AMD when compared to a non-aerobic exercised, contact-controlled AMD group. Best corrected visual acuity, dark adaptometry, contrast sensitivity, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and the Low Luminance Questionnaire will be assessed before, mid, and after the 6-month interventional period. In line with previous animal and human subject studies, the investigators also hypothesize a correlation between improved visual function with increases in serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Aim 2 is to determine if exercise improves physical and cognitive function in Veterans with AMD when compared to non-aerobic exercised, contact-controlled AMD group. The investigators will test the timed-up-and-go (TUG) and a neuropsychological battery, mid- and post 6-month interventional period. These provide a robust index of other health, well-being, and quality of life related outcomes in numerous older adult patient populations. In line with the preliminary studies, the investigators' working hypothesis is that 6 months of exercise will result in a clinically significant improvement in TUG performance as well as improved cognitive-executive functions. The investigators expect that the results from achieving these aims will set the stage for a larger, multi-site trial powered to test the hypothesis that virtual exercise can slow the progression of AMD while improving physical and cognitive function and quality of life in Veterans. Thus, the investigators propose an accessible, low-cost intervention that can be easily scalable to other VA centers to improve engagement/adherence, while also improving visual and functional capacity for Veterans with AMD who are at high risk for comorbidities.

Inclusion criteria

• The investigators will recruit Veterans with a diagnosis of intermediate stage AMD in at least one eye, aged 65-89, willing and able to cooperate with assessments and interventions.
• Eligible participants will be quantified > 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to meet the criteria for cognitively intact.
• Participants will be free from diseases affecting cognition or ability to engage in aerobic exercise (including but not limited to chronic heart, liver, or kidney disease) and from diseases/injuries directly affecting brain functions (including but not limited to significant closed head injury, open intracranial wounds, stroke, epilepsy, degenerative diseases of the nervous system).
• Eligible participants will be required to have stable internet access in their home.
• All subjects will speak English as a primary language and will have graduated high school so that behavioral/cognitive measures reflect effects of age, AMD, and/or aerobic exercise and not the effects of familiarity with English or lack of education.

Exclusion criteria

• Other, non-AMD, visual impairments. Potential participants with major psychiatric disorder (including but not limited to psychosis, major depression, bipolar disorder) by history will be excluded as well as individuals with current alcohol or substance use disorder.
• Additionally, individuals with cardiovascular disease and or history of myocardial infarction will not be included.