You may have heard the phrase, “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.” We believe this may be true but stronger scientific evidence is needed to prove it. The Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease (rrAD) trial is a big step in that direction.
The rrAD study is testing several strategies that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals at risk of this disease. These strategies include:
- Aerobic exercise
- Intensive medical management of blood pressure and cholesterol
- The combination of these two approaches
- Standard care
To participate, you must be 60 to 85 years old and have (1) hypertension and (2) a family history of dementia in a first-degree relative (sibling or parent) or concerns about your memory. A total of 640 volunteers will be enrolled in this study and participation will last approximately two years.
This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is a collaboration of researchers from six institutions:
rrAD Public Use Database
If you are interested in the rrAD dataset, please submit a data request.
For additional resources, download the rrAD Data Dictionary.
Exercise and Low Cholesterol May Prevent Dementia
March 15, 2017