Body and Brain Exercise for Older Adults With Memory Complaints

Older adults with self-reported cognitive complaints (CCs) may be at increased risk for the development of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Cognitive decline in older adults, particularly reduced memory and executive function is associated with functional decline, institutionalization, and increased health care costs. Similarly, cardiovascular risk factors have been associated with cognitive and functional impairment in aging. Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve vascular function and blood flow in the brain's prefrontal cortex. In turn, resistance training can produce functional changes within distinct cortical regions during the encoding and recall of association tasks and has been shown to increase circulating neural growth factors (i.e., a proposed mechanism by which cognition may be preserved or improved in old age). Recent evidence also suggests that cognitive training may improve the cognitive performance of older adults.

Therefore, we will investigate the impact of a combined exercise program (multi-modality exercise; M2) compared to a combined exercise program with a cognitive component (multi-modality, mind-motor exercise; M4) on cognition, cognitive-motor, mobility, neural functioning and vascular outcomes in older adults with cognitive complaints. Community-based exercise programs for older adults provide widespread access, are relatively inexpensive, and provide opportunities for social interaction.

The primary purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the M2 and M4 exercise programs on brain health. This study will also examine the effects of the different exercise programs on cardiovascular risk factors and mobility. In a subset of participants, cognitive-motor and neural functioning outcomes will be examined.

Inclusion criteria

• aged 55 years or older
• self-reported cognitive complaint (defined as answering yes to the question "Do you feel like your memory or thinking skills have gotten worse recently?).
• independent on instrumental activities of daily living

Exclusion criteria

• Probable Dementia (i.e., diagnosis OR Mini-Mental State Examination score <24)
• Other neurological conditions or major psychiatric disorders (i.e., Parkinson's disease; bipolar disorder)
• Previous history of severe cardiovascular conditions (i.e., myocardial infarction or stroke <1-year ago; end stage congestive heart failure; end stage renal disease)
• Severe sensory impairment (i.e., blind)
• Significant orthopedic conditions (i.e., severe osteoarthritis)
• Clinical depression (determined via >=16 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale AND review by primary study physician)
• Have blood pressure >180/100 mmHg or <100/60 mmHg
• Unable to comprehend questionnaire material
• Any other factors that could potentially limit ability to fully participate in the intervention