The multi-domain exercise intervention for memory and brain function in late middle-aged and older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease: A protocol for Western-Eastern Brain Fitness Integration Training trial

Yu-Kai Chang; Kirk I Erickson; Sarah L Aghjayan; Feng-Tzu Chen; Ruei-Hong Li; Jia-Ru Shih; Shao-Hsi Chang; Chih-Mao Huang; Chien-Heng Chu

doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.929789

The multi-domain exercise intervention for memory and brain function in late middle-aged and older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease: A protocol for Western-Eastern Brain Fitness Integration Training trial

Front Aging Neurosci. 2022 Aug 18:14:929789. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.929789. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Yu-Kai Chang^{1

2}, Kirk I Erickson^{3

4}, Sarah L Aghjayan³, Feng-Tzu Chen⁵, Ruei-Hong Li¹, Jia-Ru Shih¹, Shao-Hsi Chang¹, Chih-Mao Huang⁶, Chien-Heng Chu¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
² Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
⁴ AdventHealth Research Institute, Neuroscience Institute, Orlando, FL, United States.
⁵ Department of Sport Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
⁶ Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.

Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with cognitive decline, increased risk for dementia, and deterioration of brain function. Modifiable lifestyle factors (e.g., exercise, meditation, and social interaction) have been proposed to benefit memory and brain function. However, previous studies have focused on a single exercise modality or a single lifestyle factor. Consequently, the effect of a more comprehensive exercise program that combines multiple exercise modalities and lifestyle factors, as well as examines potential mediators and moderators, on cognitive function and brain health in late middle-aged and older adults remains understudied. This study's primary aim is to examine the effect of a multi-domain exercise intervention on memory and brain function in cognitively healthy late middle-aged and older adults. In addition, we will examine whether apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes, physical fitness (i.e., cardiovascular fitness, body composition, muscular fitness, flexibility, balance, and power), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) moderate and mediate the exercise intervention effects on memory and brain function.

Methods: The Western-Eastern Brain Fitness Integration Training (WE-BFit) is a single-blinded, double-arm, 6-month randomized controlled trial. One hundred cognitively healthy adults, aged 45-70 years, with different risks for Alzheimer's disease (i.e., ApoE genotype) will be recruited and randomized into either a multi-domain exercise group or an online educational course control group. The exercise intervention consists of one 90-min on-site and several online sessions up to 60 min per week for 6 months. Working memory, episodic memory, physical fitness, and BDNF will be assessed before and after the 6-month intervention. The effects of the WE-BFit on memory and brain function will be described and analyzed. We will further examine how ApoE genotype and changes in physical fitness and BDNF affect the effects of the intervention.

Discussion: WE-BFit is designed to improve memory and brain function using a multi-domain exercise intervention. The results will provide insight into the implementation of an exercise intervention with multiple domains to preserve memory and brain function in adults with genetic risk levels for Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05068271.

Keywords: ApoE gene; BDNF; brain function; fitness; meditation; memory; social interaction.

Associated data

ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05068271