CEREBRO - Cognitive Enhancement and Risk-reduction Through Exercise for Brain-Related Outcomes

As the population ages, it is also growing more diverse. Twelve percent of older Latinos are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and it is estimated that the number of Latinos with AD will increase by 832% by 2060. Pharmacological treatments available for cognitive decline/ADRD have shown limited effectiveness in reducing cognitive and functional decline. Evidence suggests that protective factors for AD include regular physical activity (PA). Unfortunately, older Latinos are 46% less likely to engage in leisure time PA than older non-Latino whites. The investigators propose that indoor PA programs can overcome the biggest barriers to participation. Marquez and colleagues created a Spanish-language, Latin dance program (BAILAMOS™ - Balance and Activity In Latinos, Addressing Mobility in Older Adults). Smaller studies of BAILAMOS™ have found greater improvement in global cognition in the dance group compared to a health education group, and increases in brain functional connectivity. UIC faculty have also designed and tested Fit \& Strong!, a PA program for older adults with arthritis, that is recognized by the National Council on Aging as an Evidence-based program and have established the feasibility of ¡En Forma y Fuerte!, an adaptation of Fit \& Strong! for Latinos with arthritis. A small trial found significant improvements in lower-extremity strength, perceived physical function, and pain from baseline to 8 weeks (p \< .05) that were maintained at 6 months. No major program adaptations (other than language) were observed or reported; however, the instructors provided several suggestions for program improvements, including adjusting the literacy level and length of the program. The current pandemic allows the investigators to adapt both of these evidence informed programs, the BAILAMOS™ dance program and ¡En Forma y Fuerte!, for remote delivery among older Latinos (i.e., BAILAMOS™ @home/en casa and ¡En Forma y Fuerte! @home/en casa). The overall purpose is to implement promising, evidence-informed interventions and solutions to reduce risk for ADRD and improve quality of life for persons with symptoms of cognitive decline.