Multimodal Exercise and Cognitive Training Program Improves Cognitive Function in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

To investigate the preliminary efficacy of a combined physical exercise + cognitive training intervention for older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Randomized clinical trial.

Veteran Affairs Hospital, Palo Alto, CA.

Sample included 72 community-dwelling volunteers (mean age 72.4 ± 9.5) diagnosed with aMCI.

Participants were randomized to either a combined aerobic and resistance exercise + cognitive training (CARE+CT) or stretching exercise + CT (SE+CT).

Primary outcomes included intervention specific assessments of word list and name-face recall. Secondary cognitive outcomes included standardized composite scores that reflect cognitive domains (e.g., learning and memory, executive function, processing speed, visuospatial ability, language). Secondary physiological outcomes included VO2 max and functional capacity (e.g., distance walked 6-minute walk test). APOE and BDNF were determined from whole blood samples.

Controlling for age and employment status, linear mixed effects models revealed that all participants experienced significant improvement in the delayed recall of word list, learning and memory and executive function. Only the CARE+CT condition had significant improvement in processing speed and functional capacity. APOE4 status impacted cognitive benefits of those in the SE+CT condition.

Results provide preliminary support for combined exercise and cognitive training interventions for older adults with aMCI. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms involved as well as the impact of these interventions in diverse samples.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01962038.