Alzheimer DiseaseNCT07163039
The Effect of Dual Task Training on Cognitive in Alzheimer's Disease
A study testing Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive Training and Conventional Exercise Training in people with Alzheimer Disease, run by Fenerbahce University.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dual-task training on cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a dual-task training group or a conventional exercise group. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Alzheimer Disease
- What is being tested?
- Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive Training and Conventional Exercise Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Sep 2025to May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥ 60 years
- Diagnosed with mild-stage Alzheimer's disease (According to DSM-5 or NINCDS-ADRDA criteria)
- MoCA score between 10-25 (Indicating sufficient cognitive capacity for dual-task training)
- Ability to walk independently or with minimal assistance
- Adequate hearing and vision to enable communication
- Physical and mental capacity to participate in the dual-task training protocol
- Provision of written informed consent (signed informed consent form)
Who cannot join
- Diagnosis of advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease (MoCA < 10)
- Presence of additional neurological disorders affecting the motor system (e.g. Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis)
- Severe hearing or vision impairment (inability to respond to visual or auditory stimuli)
- History of psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia)
- Orthopedic or cardiopulmonary conditions that would prevent participation in dual-task training
- Participation in another cognitive or physical rehabilitation program within the last 3 months
- Individuals with unstable cognitive status due to recent medication changes
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dual-task training on cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a dual-task training group or a conventional exercise group. The intervention will last 8 weeks, with three supervised sessions per week. Cognitive performance, mobility, balance, and quality of life will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Read the detailed description
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impairments in memory, executive function, and daily activities. Conventional exercise programs may improve mobility and physical performance, but their impact on cognition is limited. Dual-task training, which integrates motor and cognitive activities simultaneously, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance neuroplasticity and functional independence in individuals with cognitive decline.
In this study, participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease according to standard clinical criteria will be recruited. After baseline assessments, participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups:
Experimental Group (Dual-Task Training): Participants will perform exercises combining cognitive tasks (e.g., arithmetic, memory recall, word association) with simultaneous motor tasks (e.g., walking, balance training, functional mobility exercises).
Control Group (Conventional Exercise): Participants will engage in standard physical exercises focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance, without added cognitive tasks.
The intervention will span 8 weeks, with three 45-60 minute sessions per week, conducted under supervision by a physiotherapist.
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes: Cognitive performance assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
Secondary Outcomes: Functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test), balance (Berg Balance Scale), and quality of life (QoL-AD questionnaire).
Hypothesis
It is hypothesized that dual-task training will lead to greater improvements in cognitive performance and functional independence compared to conventional exercise programs. This study may provide evidence supporting dual-task rehabilitation as a complementary approach in the management of Alzheimer's disease.
- Conditions
- Alzheimer Disease
- Being tested
- Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive Training, Conventional Exercise Training
- Keywords
- Alzheimer, Dual-Task Training
- Medical subject headings
- Alzheimer Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive TrainingOther
Participants assigned to this group will undergo dual-task motor-cognitive training, which combines physical exercises with simultaneous cognitive tasks. Sessions will last 45-60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks. Exercises will include gait and balance activities performed while engaging in cognitive tasks such as arithmetic, memory recall, or word association.
Conventional Exercise TrainingOther
Participants in this group will receive a conventional exercise program focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance without a cognitive component. Sessions will last 45-60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks, and will be supervised by a physiotherapist.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-task motor-cognitive training | Experimental | Participants assigned to this group will undergo dual-task motor-cognitive training, which combines physical exercises with simultaneous cognitive tasks. Sessions will last 45-60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks. Exercises will include gait and balance activities performed while engaging in cognitive tasks such as arithmetic, memory recall, or word association. Receives: Other: Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive Training |
| Conventional Exercise Training | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive a conventional exercise program focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance without a cognitive component. Sessions will last 45-60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks, and will be supervised by a physiotherapist. Receives: Other: Conventional Exercise Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
d2 Test of Attention
A widely used neuropsychological test evaluating visual attention and processing speed. Participants are asked to quickly and accurately mark target symbols (e.g., the letter "d" with two dashes) among distractors on a sheet consisting of similar letters and symbols.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A)
Assesses visual attention, processing speed, and psychological flexibility. The participant is required to connect numbered circles from 1 to 25 in order as quickly as possible.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Stroop Test
Stroop Test: Evaluates executive functions and attentional control. The participant must state the ink color of a word rather than reading the written word itself (e.g., the word "Blue" written in red ink should be answered as "red")
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B):
Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B): Used to assess executive functions, cognitive flexibility, and attention. The participant alternates between numbers and letters in sequence (1-A-2-B-3-C…)
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Evaluates memory, attention, executive functions, and visuospatial skills. It is a standard and validated tool for monitoring cognitive status and comparing pre- and post-intervention performance in Alzheimer's patients
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (13)
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT): Measures processing speed and attention. Participants are presented with a key of symbol-digit pairings and asked to match as many symbols with their corresponding digits as possible within a set time
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS): A non-invasive method to measure prefrontal cortex activation by monitoring oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD)
Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD): Developed to assess independence in activities of daily living among individuals with dementia. It evaluates both basic and instrumental activities of daily living, including self-care and social functioning
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Dual Task Protocol
Dual Task Protocol: Participants will perform physical and cognitive tasks simultaneously. For example, during walking, they will be asked to complete word generation, simple arithmetic, or other attention-demanding tasks
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Performance Measures: Walking speed
Walking speed (measured using a metronome or gait analysis system).
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Performance Measures: Step count
Step count (measured using a metronome or gait analysis system).
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Performance Measures: Number of correct response Number of correct responses
Number of correct responses recorded during the secondary cognitive task.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Performance Measures: incorrect response
Percentage of incorrect responses recorded during the secondary cognitive task.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Gait Analysis System: Walking speed during single-task walking
Provides objective evaluation of walking dynamics using pressure sensors, motion capture systems, or accelerometers.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Gait Analysis System: Step length during single-task walking
Provides objective evaluation of walking dynamics using pressure sensors, motion capture systems, or accelerometers.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Gait Analysis System:Balance during dual-task walking
Provides objective evaluation of walking dynamics using pressure sensors, motion capture systems, or accelerometers.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Gait Analysis System: Postural control during dual-task walking
Provides objective evaluation of walking dynamics using pressure sensors, motion capture systems, or accelerometers.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Electromyography (EMG)
Electromyography (EMG): Measures muscle electrical activity through surface electrodes, providing data on contraction duration, activation levels, and coordination (De Luca, 1997). EMG will be used to assess changes in motor control and muscle activation during dual-task training.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Sep 2025
- Study startSep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completionOct 2025 (estimated)
- Study completionMay 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Alzheimer DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Fenerbahce UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Fenerbahce University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Burcu AKKURT, Fenerbahce University
- Investigators
- Sümeyye AKÇAY, PhD, Principal investigator, Fenerbahçe University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07163039
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 63.2025fbu
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 21 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 9 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Dual Task Training on Cognitive in Alzheimer's Disease
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07163039
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 63.2025fbu
- Conditions
- Alzheimer Disease
- Keywords
- Alzheimer, Dual-Task Training
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Fenerbahce UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Oct 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dual-task training on cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a dual-task training group or a conventional exercise group. The intervention will last 8 weeks, with three supervised sessions per week. Cognitive performance, mobility, balance, and quality of life will be assessed before and after the intervention.
Detailed description
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by impairments in memory, executive function, and daily activities. Conventional exercise programs may improve mobility and physical performance, but their impact on cognition is limited. Dual-task training, which integrates motor and cognitive activities simultaneously, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance neuroplasticity and functional independence in individuals with cognitive decline.
In this study, participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease according to standard clinical criteria will be recruited. After baseline assessments, participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups:
Experimental Group (Dual-Task Training): Participants will perform exercises combining cognitive tasks (e.g., arithmetic, memory recall, word association) with simultaneous motor tasks (e.g., walking, balance training, functional mobility exercises).
Control Group (Conventional Exercise): Participants will engage in standard physical exercises focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance, without added cognitive tasks.
The intervention will span 8 weeks, with three 45-60 minute sessions per week, conducted under supervision by a physiotherapist.
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes: Cognitive performance assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
Secondary Outcomes: Functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test), balance (Berg Balance Scale), and quality of life (QoL-AD questionnaire).
Hypothesis
It is hypothesized that dual-task training will lead to greater improvements in cognitive performance and functional independence compared to conventional exercise programs. This study may provide evidence supporting dual-task rehabilitation as a complementary approach in the management of Alzheimer's disease.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-task motor-cognitive training | Experimental | Other: Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive TrainingParticipants assigned to this group will undergo dual-task motor-cognitive training, which combines physical exercises with simultaneous cognitive tasks. Sessions will last 45-60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks. Exercises will include gait and balance activities performed while engaging in cognitive tasks such as arithmetic, memory recall, or word association. |
| Conventional Exercise Training | Active comparator | Other: Conventional Exercise TrainingParticipants in this group will receive a conventional exercise program focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance without a cognitive component. Sessions will last 45-60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks, and will be supervised by a physiotherapist. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Age ≥ 60 years
- Diagnosed with mild-stage Alzheimer's disease (According to DSM-5 or NINCDS-ADRDA criteria)
- MoCA score between 10-25 (Indicating sufficient cognitive capacity for dual-task training)
- Ability to walk independently or with minimal assistance
- Adequate hearing and vision to enable communication
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Diagnosis of advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease (MoCA < 10)
- Presence of additional neurological disorders affecting the motor system (e.g. Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis)
- Severe hearing or vision impairment (inability to respond to visual or auditory stimuli)
- History of psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia)
- Orthopedic or cardiopulmonary conditions that would prevent participation in dual-task training
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive TrainingParticipants assigned to this group will undergo dual-task motor-cognitive training, which combines physical exercises with simultaneous cognitive tasks. Sessions will last 45-60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks. Exercises will include gait and balance activities performed while engaging in cognitive tasks such as arithmetic, memory recall, or word association. | Other | Dual-task motor-cognitive training |
| Conventional Exercise TrainingParticipants in this group will receive a conventional exercise program focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance without a cognitive component. Sessions will last 45-60 minutes, three times per week, for 8 weeks, and will be supervised by a physiotherapist. | Other | Conventional Exercise Training |
Primary outcome
d2 Test of Attention
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
A widely used neuropsychological test evaluating visual attention and processing speed. Participants are asked to quickly and accurately mark target symbols (e.g., the letter "d" with two dashes) among distractors on a sheet consisting of similar letters and symbols.
Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Assesses visual attention, processing speed, and psychological flexibility. The participant is required to connect numbered circles from 1 to 25 in order as quickly as possible.
Stroop Test
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Stroop Test: Evaluates executive functions and attentional control. The participant must state the ink color of a word rather than reading the written word itself (e.g., the word "Blue" written in red ink should be answered as "red")
Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B):
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B): Used to assess executive functions, cognitive flexibility, and attention. The participant alternates between numbers and letters in sequence (1-A-2-B-3-C…)
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Evaluates memory, attention, executive functions, and visuospatial skills. It is a standard and validated tool for monitoring cognitive status and comparing pre- and post-intervention performance in Alzheimer's patients
13 secondary outcomes
Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Dual Task Protocol
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Performance Measures: Walking speed
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Performance Measures: Step count
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Performance Measures: Number of correct response Number of correct responses
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Performance Measures: incorrect response
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Gait Analysis System: Walking speed during single-task walking
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Gait Analysis System: Step length during single-task walking
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Gait Analysis System:Balance during dual-task walking
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Gait Analysis System: Postural control during dual-task walking
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Electromyography (EMG)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Sep 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Sümeyye AKÇAY, PhD principal investigator
Fenerbahçe University
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive Training and Conventional Exercise Training in people with Alzheimer Disease, run by Fenerbahce University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Sümeyye AKÇAY, PhD (+90 542 400 25 53, sumeyye.akcay@fbu.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
d2 Test of Attention (time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Sep 2025.