After undergoing a variety of tests during the screening phase, participants that qualify will enroll and be randomized to either a moderate-to-high aerobic exercise group or a stretching/balance/range of motion exercise group. People interested in the EXERT Study participants must be willing to be assigned to either group.

Participants will be assigned to an exercise trainer at a local YMCA where they will be supervised in either the aerobic program or the stretching/balance/motion program. Participants will work out at the YMCAs four times a week, two of which will be with the trainers, for 12 months. During the following six months participants will work out at the Ys independently, without a trainer, following their prescribed training tracks.

Researchers are looking for people:

• Between the ages of 65-89
• Willing and able to undergo clinic assessments, an MRI scan, and various blood and urine tests.
• Fluent in English.
• Willing exercise at a participating YMCA four times per week for 18 months.
• Planning to reside in the area for the 18 month period of time.
• In overall good general health with no other disease or planned surgeries that could interfere with the study.
• Not currently involved in an exercise program and who have not been exercising regularly for the last several years.
• Have someone who can serve as a study partner (and with whom you talk to on at least a weekly basis) and be available to accompany the participant to clinic visits.
• Willing to be assigned to either group and complete the assigned activities within the 18 month window.

After completing a variety of tests during the screening phase, eligible adults will enroll in EXERT and be randomly assigned to either a stretching/balance/range of motion group or to an aerobic training group.

All participants will exercise at participating local YMCAs, under the supervision of a personal trainer. Participants will complete their assigned exercise program four times per week for 18 months. In the first 12 months of the study, two of the four weekly sessions will be supervised by the trainer. In the final six months, participants will continue to complete their assigned exercise program at the YMCA, but without supervision.

Although regular physical activity is associated with many health benefits, moderate/high intensity aerobic exercise can lead to a greater risk for cardiovascular events, bone and tissue injury. There are also a few minor risks associated with some of the clinic procedures, but the staff will carefully review them with you, as well as the protections we have in place to ensure your safety.

• Diabetes
• A significant neurologic disorder or disease, other than memory problems
• Inability to walk unassisted on a treadmill
• History of alcohol or drug abuse
• A generally or unstable medical condition

The EXERT Study is taking place at 14 of the nation’s leading academic medical centers who are partnered with specific local branches of the Y-USA (YMCAs) participating in the EXERT Study.

To find out the locations of other EXERT research sites in the U.S., contact the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR), a service of the National Institute on Aging.

Call toll-free 1-800-438-4380 or email [email protected]

300 people between the ages of 60-89 (nationwide).

No. Participation is another clinical trial would require that you withdraw from the EXERT Study.

In most cases, yes. Use of certain drugs will not be allowed, such as medications that can impact memory and thinking abilities.

Your privacy is of prime importance to us. All data that we collect will be anonymous; we will take all possible precautions to keep your identity confidential.