Study of Physical Fitness and Brain Executive Function in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimers Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are examining how physical fitness relates to executive function in older adults aged 50 to 70 over an 18-month period. This observational study aims to find out if improvements in fitness can predict better cognitive performance, focusing on both behavioral and brain activity measures. The study also explores the role of the APOE b54 gene in these fitness-cognition relationships. Participants will undergo assessments at the beginning and end of the 18 months without any exercise program being provided. Fitness tests include cardiorespiratory evaluation using a YMCA submaximal bike test and muscular strength tests for chest and leg presses. Executive function is measured through computer tasks while brain activity is recorded with EEG. Additional data collected include physical activity questionnaires, cognitive screening with the Mini-Mental State Examination MMSE, memory tests using digit span tasks, and genotyping for APOE b54. During the study, participants complete evaluations lasting about 25 to 30 minutes for each fitness and cognitive test at both time points. Researchers track changes in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, cognitive flexibility response time and accuracy, and EEG signals. Secondary measures like global cognition, working memory, physical activity levels, and genetic markers are also assessed. The total participation time spans the baseline and 18-month follow-up assessments.

Physical Fitness and Hot Executive Function in Alzheimer's Risk