Tai Ji Quan and Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Efficacy of Adapted Tai Ji Quan to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

To determine the efficacy of a cognitively enhanced exercise intervention - Tai Ji Quan: Moving to Maintain Brain Health in improving global cognitive function and dual-task ability in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

The primary aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of a cognitively enhanced exercise intervention - Tai Ji Quan: Moving to Maintain Brain Health, relative to a standard Tai Ji Quan intervention and an exercise stretching control, in improving global cognitive function and dual-task ability among community-dwelling older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• complaint of memory loss
• clinical dementia rating (CDR) scale score ≤0.5
• having normal general cognitive function screened, with MMSE ≥24
• capable of exercising safely, as determined by a healthcare provider
• willingness to be randomly assigned to an intervention condition and complete the 24-week intervention and 6-month follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

• having medical conditions likely to compromise survival, such as metastatic cancer, or render a participant unable to engage in physical activity, such as severe cardiac failure
• participating in any type of Tai Ji Quan or daily and/or structured vigorous physical activity (i.e., brisk walking for exercise 30 minutes or longer at a time, or engaging in muscle-strengthening activities, e.g., weight lifting on 3 or more days per week 3 months prior to the study)