Actively Recruiting
Exercise in Perimenopause to Improve Cognitive Health
Led by University of British Columbia · Updated on 2026-04-16
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
43 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of British Columbia
Lead Sponsor
V
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Perimenopause is now considered a possible risk factor for dementia and may contribute to the fact that 2/3 of those living with Alzheimer's disease are females. Indeed, research studies show that middle-aged females demonstrate significant declines in their thinking abilities and detrimental changes in their brains as they go through perimenopause. Thus, perimenopausal females need strategies to bolster their brain health. The World Health Organization strongly recommends physical activity interventions to reduce the risk of decline in thinking abilities. However, whether exercise can improve thinking abilities and brain health in perimenopausal females has not been examined. Our research aims to address this important knowledge gap in female brain health. We will study the effects of a 6-month resistance exercise training (e.g., lifting free weights, exercise with weight machine) program on thinking abilities in 50 physically inactive perimenopausal females, aged 40 to 55 years, who are experiencing difficulties with their thinking abilities. In addition to measuring thinking abilities, we will determine if exercise benefits muscle health, heart health, sleep quality, psychological well-being, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life. We will also explore how resistance exercise training improves thinking abilities as such information can lead to new discoveries and therapies for brain health in females.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Exercise in Perimenopause to Improve Cognitive Health
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Are biological females, as assigned at birth
- Are aged between 40 and 55 years
- Had at least 1 menstrual period in the last 10 months
- Are perimenopausal based on STRAW +10 Staging System, or answer "yes" to MQ6 questions of changes in periods, having hot flashes, or vaginal dryness, pain, or sexual concerns
- Have an intact uterus
- Have a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score >26/30, indicating normal cognition
- Have subjective cognitive complaints defined as responding "yes" to "Do you feel like your memory or thinking is becoming worse?"
- Completed high school education
- Read and speak English with acceptable visual and auditory acuity
- Are able to safely engage in moderate-intensity PRT as indicated by the PAR-Q+
- Are able to provide informed consent.
You will not qualify if you...
- Are engaged in regular PRT (i.e., 2x/week) in the prior three months
- Are diagnosed with cognitive impairment or dementia of any type
- Are at high risk for cardiac complications during exercise
- Have clinically important peripheral neuropathy or severe musculoskeletal or joint disease that impairs mobility
- Are taking medications that negatively affect cognitive function, such as anticholinergics, major tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants
- Have a BMI <15 or anorexia nervosa
- Had surgical menopause
- Had endometrial ablation that resulted in the loss of menstruation
- Have polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Currently undergoing chemotherapy
- Are using estrogen-containing contraception in the last 12 months
- Had premature ovarian failure
- Are already enrolled in a drug or exercise trial
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 1M9
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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