This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the efficacy of a multi-component physical activity program for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). A 3 month (12-week) single blinded, randomized, controlled trial among 40 community dwelling patients with mild to moderate AD will address these specific aims: 1) determine whether exercise is superior to a control intervention of social attention and environmental hazard assessment for improving or attenuating decline in physical, cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial function in patients with AD; 2) examine the effects of implementing an exercise program in AD patients on the burden experienced by their caregivers; 3) determine the feasibility and safety of a home-based exercise program for patients with AD, with particular regard to adherence and fall risk; and 4) evaluate whether the effect of exercise in AD patients is differential by genetic profile, specifically APOE genotype, or differences in cardiovascular factors (e.g. cholesterol). The exercise activity program will consist of aerobic endurance, strength training, and flexibility components. Establishing the efficacy of a physical activity program in community dwelling AD patients will provide the framework for the development of larger scale intervention trials and for developing and adopting clinical guidelines that incorporate exercise as part of the proper management for patients with AD. Long-term implications for reducing nursing home admissions and adverse health consequences will help guide policy and financial decisions specific to AD patients and their families.
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