The Active Mind Study

Exploring Synergistic Effects Of Aerobic Exercise And Mindfulness Training On Cognitive Function In Older Adults: A Pilot, Proof Of Concept Study

The purpose of this study is to explore whether physical exercise, mindfulness training, or both interventions together can improve cognitive function in individuals with multiple risk factors for the development of dementia in the future.

The investigators will test the feasibility and acceptability of a combined mindfulness training + aerobic training intervention, vs. either alone or none to improve cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment. The investigators will also obtain estimates of effect sizes (and confidence intervals) on cognitive function. Preliminary analyses will be conducted to explore the mediating role of changes in aerobic capacity, physical activity, vascular risk factors, and mindfulness skills. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 3-, and 6- months since baseline.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥55
2. Being physically inactive (defined as not meeting current AHA recommendations for physical activity, i.e., < 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week OR < 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week
3. Cognitive complaint defined as answering yes to the question "do you feel that your memory or thinking skills have gotten worse recently?"
4. Fluency in English language

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Unwillingness/inability to provide informed consent
2. Contraindications to physical activity as per the participant's PCP assessment
3. Blood pressure >200/110
4. Severe depressive symptoms (defined as Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] depression subscale scores >14)
5. Acute psychosis (from medical record)
6. Severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score <24)
7. Recent hospitalization (< 6 weeks)
8. Current (at least once a month) mind/body practice (i.e., mindfulness meditation, yoga, or tai chi)