Exercise in Perimenopause to Improve Cognitive Health (NCT07272174) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Exercise in Perimenopause to Improve Cognitive Health
Canada50 participantsStarted 2026-03-30
Plain-language summary
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 participate
Age range
40 Years – 55 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Are biological females, as assigned at birth
* Are aged between 40 and 55 years
* Had at least 1 menstrual period in the last 10 months
* Are perimenopausal based on STRAW +10 Staging System, or answer "yes" to MQ6 questions of changes in periods, having hot flashes, or vaginal dryness, pain, or sexual concerns
* Have an intact uterus
* Have a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \>26/30, indicating normal cognition
* Have subjective cognitive complaints defined as responding "yes" to "Do you feel like your memory or thinking is becoming worse?"
* Completed high school education
* Read and speak English with acceptable visual and auditory acuity
* Are able to safely engage in moderate-intensity PRT as indicated by the PAR-Q+; and
* Are able to provide informed consent.
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-co…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.