RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07272174

Exercise in Perimenopause to Improve Cognitive Health

Resistance Training and Cognitive Health in Perimenopause

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrollment

50 participants

Start Date

Mar 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Subjective Cognitive Complaints Perimenopause

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.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin Age: 40 YearsMax Age: 55 Years

Inclusion Criteria11

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 Criteria12

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
Are already enrolled in a drug or exercise trial

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALProgressive Resistance Training

The sessions will occur in the Exercise Prescription Suite of the Centre for Aging SMART at VCH; this suite is a fully-equipped gym that includes treadmills, bikes, pneumatic resistance training equipment, and free weights. The training stimulus will initially be at 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions with proper form. At week 4, training intensity will progress from 60-82% of predicted 1 repetition maximum (RM) using the 8RM method. Every 4 weeks the 8RM test will be repeated.

BEHAVIORALBalance, Flexibility, and Tone Exercises

Each BAT session will be 1-hr in duration and consist of Pilates mat exercises, Yoga-based poses and breathing, Kegel exercises, stretches, and relaxation techniques (e.g., visualization).