Grant: Project Grant

Each year, millions of females around the world experience perimenopause, when hormones levels change rapidly and cause many symptoms including hot flashes, weight gain, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, and brain fog. Importantly, 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 aerobic exercise (e.g., jogging, cycling, step class) program on thinking abilities in 150 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 the brain, heart health, sleep quality, psychological well-being, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life. We will also explore how aerobic exercise improves thinking abilities as such information can lead to new discoveries and therapies for brain health in females. Given the number of perimenopausal females globally and the immense health and financial burden imposed by dementia, our proposed study could have major impact. The results will guide future strategies that empower perimenopausal females to positively shape their brain health.