Personalized Exercise Treatments for Older Veterans With Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome

Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: Refining Treatment Strategies and Testing Feasibility to Personalize Treatment for Older Veterans

This study will begin to evaluate personalized preventative dementia treatments for Veterans at risk for developing dementia. The investigators will target Veterans with Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome (MCR), which is characterized by slow gait speed and cognitive concerns (e.g., problems with memory or concentrations).

This study will involve therapeutic exercise treatments for Veterans with pre-clinical dementia syndrome. Participants will either participate in functional power training, music-based walking training, or a combination of both. The study will use a sequential multiple assignment, randomized trial (SMART) design. Successful completion of this study will lay the foundation for subsequent research trials, contributing to valuable evidence for personalized rehabilitation medicine for older Veterans.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 65
2. Receiving VA primary care
3. Community-dwelling
4. Motoric Cognitive Risky Syndrome i. Slow gait speed ii. Subjective cognitive concerns/complaints

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Non-English speaking
2. Presence of a terminal disease
3. Major medical problem
4. Myocardial infarction or major surgery in the previous 3 months
5. 3-point walking pattern
6. Dementia diagnostic
7. Mobility disability