Using Goal-Setting to Help Middle-Aged Adults Exercise More and Lower Dementia Risk

This study is testing three different ways to help middle-aged adults exercise regularly. Researchers believe that setting the right kind of exercise goal — whether it's a fixed target, a gradually increasing goal, or a self-chosen goal — can help people stick with physical activity and lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related memory loss later in life. All participants will receive a Fitbit to track their activity and work with a coach on exercise planning.

Nearly half of middle-aged adults don't exercise enough to protect their brain health, even though regular physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to reduce dementia risk. Researchers want to find the best way to set exercise goals so that people actually stick with them long-term.