Effects of Physical Activity on the Brain in Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)

Exercise in Elderly Individuals With Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Beneficial for Vasculature and Neurons?

The researchers will investigate whether exercise could provide positive effects on general brain functions in elderly people with impaired glucose tolerance.

The age-related degradation of cognitive functions even to the point of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are a growing public-health concern with devastating effects.

Referring to animal data, empirical studies, and pilot human trials, exercise should improve cognitive functions such as learning and memory. To test this hypothesis, the researchers study general brain functions in elderly subjects (50-80 years old) with impaired glucose tolerance during a short term exercise program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
• 50-65 years old
• moderate to heavy weight (BMI 25-35)
• must be able to do exercise intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes
• younger than 50 years
• BMI < 25
• psychiatric medication
• severe disease
• MMSE < 26
• severe cardiovascular disorders