Medpedia

This study currently recruiting participants in Washington DC and Philadelphia "will examine the effects of aerobic exercise-training on neurocognitive function, and on cerebral glucose homeostasis. It is yet to be determined whether African Americans with mild AD [Alzheimer's disease] can be recruited into such a study, nor has the relationship of fitness adaptation to neurocognitive function been systematically examined in this population. . . . The long-term goal is to explore the mechanism by which fitness adaptation exerts an effect on neurocognition, notably, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins (IL-1A)), deranged glucose homeostasis, hypertension and endothelia dysfunction are precursors of arteriolosclerosis, decreased cerebral perfusion and oxygen deprivation, all of which may increase AD risk. Because many of these putative AD risk factors are susceptible to lifestyle alterations, the study will also assess their roles in aerobic fitness-related improvements in cognitive function and reduction in AD risk." 

Exercise intervention: aerobic exercise-training 3 times per week for 6 months. Inclusion criteria: over 60 years of age; ability to exercise vigorously without harm; mild AD; in good general health; willing to exercise for 6 months. More details at ClinicalTrails.gov: "Genes, Exercise, Memory and Neurodegeneration" at NCT01021644.