Exercise in Perimenopause to Improve Cognitive Health (NCT07272174)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Perimenopause is now considered a possible risk factor for dementia and may contribute to the fact that 2/3 of those living with Alzheimer's disease are females. Indeed, research studies show that middle-aged females demonstrate significant declines in their thinking abilities and detrimental changes in their brains as they go through perimenopause. Thus, perimenopausal females need strategies to bolster their brain health. The World Health Organization strongly recommends physical activity interventions to reduce the risk of decline in thinking abilities. However, whether exercise can improve thinking abilities and brain health in perimenopausal females has not been examined. Our research aims to address this important knowledge gap in female brain health. We will study the effects of a 6-month resistance exercise training (e.g., lifting free weights, exercise with weight machine) program on thinking abilities in 50 physically inactive perimenopausal females, aged 40 to 55 years, who are experiencing difficulties with their thinking abilities. In addition to measuring thinking abilities, we will determine if exercise benefits muscle health, heart health, sleep quality, psychological well-being, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life. We will also explore how resistance exercise training improves thinking abilities as such information can lead to new discoveries and therapies for brain health in females.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (11 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (13 items).
Location: University of British Columbia — Vancouver, British Columbia
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Are engaged in regular PRT (i.e., 2x/week) in the prior three months
- Are diagnosed with cognitive impairment or dementia of any type
- Are at high risk for cardiac complications during exercise
- Have clinically important peripheral neuropathy or severe musculoskeletal or joint disease that impairs mobility
- Are taking medications that negatively affect cognitive function, such as anticholinergics, major tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants
- Have a BMI \<15 or anorexia nervosa; g) had surgical menopause
- Had endometrial ablation that resulted in the loss of menstruation
- Have polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Currently undergoing chemo
- Are using estrogen-containing contraception in the last 12 months
- Had premature ovarian failure; or
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- University of British Columbia — Vancouver, British Columbia
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.