Initiative aims to reduce Alzheimer's disease risk via exercise

A research initiative, conducted by researchers from Rutgers University-Newark, aims to reduce risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in black individuals via exercise.

“African-Americans have twice the rate of Alzheimer’s disease as compared to the broader population,” Mark Gluck, PhD, of Rutgers University-Newark, said in a press release. “There is a growing appreciation among scientists and doctors that the causes of Alzheimer's are complex — including not only genetic risk factors but also lifestyle, behavioral habits and environment.”

A 5-year $1 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Health will fund the initiative.

Under the initiative, several hundred black individuals aged 55 years and older will complete physical and mental health assessments followed by dance-based exercise and lifestyle education for 20 weeks.

Gluck and colleagues hope to show how exercise significantly improves reasoning, learning and memory.

With funding from a $160,000 grant from Rutgers University-Newark’s Office of the Chancellor, researchers will collect data on participants’ brain circuitry, aging, stress and depression levels and sleep.

“A lot of our research has applicability beyond the black community, because we're asking fundamental questions about aging, Alzheimer’s, and the brain which can impact everyone. We have to know who are the people most likely to get Alzheimer's, and how can we assess whether early interventions are working or not. In this way, our work on early markers and interventions for Alzheimer's disease could have implications for everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity,” Gluck said.