Prevention of the Age-Related Cognitive Impairment by Exercise and Mental Activity - Berlin Bleibt Fit

Randomized, Controlled Study About the Effects of an Exercise Program and Mental Activity on the Age-Associated Impairment of Cognitive Function

The trial will evaluate the effects of frequent exercise and increased mental activity on the age-related impairment of cognitive function in elderly women. Furthermore, we will assess the effects of exercise and mental activity on the mood, physical performance and mental status of participants. We will also search for genetic factors which may be responsible of the observed outcomes.

Two-hundred and fifty-two women older than 70 years will be randomize to one of three groups. The first (exercise) will participate at an exercise program three times weekly for 90 minutes. The training will consist of an endurance and resistance training and will be carried out in a group. Participants in the second group (mental training) will take computer lessons, three times weekly for 90 minutes. Both interventions will be carried out for 26 weeks. Participants in the third group (control) will not participate at an structured intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All healthy women older than 70 years with sufficient knowledge of German can participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic mental disorders
• Chronic neurological, cardiological, pulmonary or renal diseases.
• Severe osteoarthritis
• Disorders which can be aggravated by exercise (arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, COLD).
• Cancer in current therapy
• Treatment with glucocorticoids or cytostatic drugs.
• Patients who received an organ transplantation
• Exercise-induced osteoarticular pain