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Dance fitness to protect brain health in older African Americans

Plain-English translation of NCT05597124 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether cardio-dance fitness—exercise done three times a week—can help protect your brain and reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to understand why some people benefit more from exercise than others, and whether your genes play a role. You'll be compared to a group doing strength and balance training instead.

Older African Americans face a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, partly because many don't get enough physical activity. Scientists have found that exercise can improve how your brain networks work and may protect against memory loss, but not everyone benefits equally. This study aims to understand which people benefit most and how to make exercise programs work better for everyone.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you identify as African American or Black
you are 60 years old or older
you exercise fewer than 60 minutes per week
you can walk independently without a wheelchair, walker, or cane
you have mild cognitive changes but are not diagnosed with dementia
your doctor gives you permission to participate in exercise classes

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with a neurological condition like Parkinson's disease or a stroke
you have been treated for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation
you have a serious heart condition, recent heart attack, or uncontrolled high blood pressure
you have a major psychiatric condition like schizophrenia or severe depression
you are color-blind or planning to have surgery during the study

What participation looks like

You will attend exercise classes three times per week for six months (about 24 weeks). Half of participants will take cardio-dance fitness classes, and the other half will do strength, flexibility, and balance exercises—both groups meet for about 60 minutes per session. Before and after the program, you'll complete health assessments and brain scans to see how the exercise affects your brain health.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Dance fitness to protect brain health in older African Americans

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations