Genes, Exercise, Memory and Neurodegeneration

• AD Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-COG) [ Time Frame: baseline, 3 and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) [ Time Frame: baseline, 3 and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• CDR (Clinical Dementia Rating) Scale [ Time Frame: baseline, 3 and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Logical Memory Test (Delayed Paragraph Recall) [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Visuospatial and Visuographic: Clock Drawing Test [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• American National Adult Reading Test (ANART) [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Neuropsychiatric Inventory Q (NPIQ) [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Geriatric Depression Scale [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• PET imaging to measure cerebral glucose homeostasis/metabolism [ Time Frame: baseline and 6 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

This study will examine the effects of aerobic exercise-training on neurocognitive function, and on cerebral glucose homeostasis. It is yet to be determined whether African Americans with mild AD can be recruited into such a study, nor has the relationship of fitness adaptation to neurocognitive function been systematically examined in this population. In addition to the goal of assessing the intervention effects, the study will evaluate the differential relationships of APOE to aerobic fitness-induced changes in neurocognition. The long-term goal is to explore the mechanism by which fitness adaptation exerts an effect on neurocognition, notably, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins (IL-1A)), deranged glucose homeostasis, hypertension and endothelia dysfunction are precursors of arteriolosclerosis, decreased cerebral perfusion and oxygen deprivation, all of which may increase AD risk. Because many of these putative AD risk factors are susceptible to lifestyle alterations, the study will also assess their roles in aerobic fitness-related improvements in cognitive function and reduction in AD risk.