Actively Recruiting
Accelerated Age-related Cognitive Decline: Impact of Exercise on Executive Function and Neuroplasticity
Led by Columbia University · Updated on 2026-04-13
144
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Columbia University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to determine whether six months of a home-based walking program can improve memory, brain structure, and brain function compared to health education in older adults who have chronic kidney disease and mild cognitive impairment. The study focuses on understanding how exercise impacts executive function and neuroplasticity in this population. Participants are randomly assigned to either a walking exercise program or a health education group for six months. Those in the walking group start with supervised sessions once a week and regular home walking, gradually increasing exercise frequency and intensity. They receive a Fitbit tracker and phone coaching throughout. The health education group receives similar contact time with sessions on health topics and stretching exercises, along with Fitbit monitoring. Participants undergo tests before and after the six months, including heart health, physical function, memory, and brain imaging using MRI. Researchers measure changes in executive function, processing speed, attention, memory, and brain connectivity. The study involves ongoing monitoring through questionnaires, fitness trackers, and coaching calls to assess outcomes and safety throughout the trial duration.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Accelerated Age-related Cognitive Decline: Impact of Exercise on Executive Function and Neuroplasticity
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease with eGFR less than 60 to 20 ml/min
- Age 55 years or older
- Mild cognitive impairment with MOCA score between 18 and 26
- Ability to undergo MRI scanning
- No history of major head trauma or concussion with loss of consciousness
- Ability to speak, read, and write English
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed dementia or Clinical Dementia Rating Scale less than 2, or MOCA less than 18
- Currently participating in a supervised exercise program aiming to increase fitness 3 or more days per week
- Requires assistive walking devices
- Limited exercise capacity due to claudication, unstable angina, severe arthritis, extreme shortness of breath on exertion, or unstable coronary artery disease
- Class III-IV heart failure
- History of uncontrolled arrhythmias, severe heart valve problems, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, severe pulmonary hypertension, active myocarditis or pericarditis, thrombophlebitis, or recent embolism
- Resting blood pressure above 200/110 mmHg
- Any illness or disability preventing cognitive testing or exercise training
- Contraindications for MRI such as pacemaker, aneurysm clip, cochlear implants, metal fragments, neurostimulators, or claustrophobia
- Major psychiatric disorders needing medical therapy
- New or unstable clinical depression within 3 months prior to enrollment requiring medication adjustment or diagnosis
- Self-reported major psychiatric disorders requiring medical therapy (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder) or unstable clinical depression within 3 months of enrollment requiring medication adjustment or diagnosis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 months
Participants are randomized to either a home-based walking exercise program or health education with stretching. They receive a Fitbit fitness tracker and ongoing telephone coaching or reminders over 6 months.
Weekly visits in month 1, biweekly visits in month 2, and biweekly phone calls from months 2 to 6
Duration - 1 to 2 weeks
Participants repeat tests for heart health, physical function, memory, and brain structure and function using imaging (MRI) after the 6-month intervention period.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Columbia University
New York, New York, United States, 10023
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
U
Ulf G Bronas, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here