Protecting the Brain From Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment and Dementia With Multimodal Exercise Training
Key facts
- Where
- Hamilton and Laval, CanadaSee the 2 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 40 and 80 years old?
Where in Canada
- McMaster UniversityHamilton, CanadaNo longer taking part
- Jewish Rehabilitation HospitalLaval, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- McGill University
- Trial code
- NCT07445841
- Record updated
- 6 July 2026
- Original description
The rates of cognitive decline and dementia after stroke are disproportionately high. Strategies that can protect the brain early after the stroke event could reduce the future risk of cognitive decline and dementia in these patients. Although physical exercise is usually recommended after stroke, there is very little information about the protective effect of exercise implemented in early stages of recovery as a potential protective measure against cognitive decline and dementia risk in these patients. This study will investigate the effect of a multimodal exercise intervention implemented early after the stroke event on cognition and on a selected group of markers that can predict cognitive decline and dementia risk.Read full original descriptionShow less
Protecting the Brain From Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment and Dementia With Multimodal Exercise Training: A Bayesian Adaptive Trial (PROTECT)
The rates of cognitive decline and dementia after stroke are disproportionately high. Strategies that can protect the brain early after the stroke event could reduce the future risk of cognitive decline and dementia in these patients. Although physical exercise is usually recommended after stroke, there is very little information about the protective effect of exercise implemented in early stages of recovery as a potential protective measure against cognitive decline and dementia risk in these patients. This study will investigate the effect of a multimodal exercise intervention implemented early after the stroke event on cognition and on a selected group of markers that can predict cognitive decline and dementia risk.
Inclusion: medically stable; have had a first-ever ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by MRI/CT 0-6 months prior to participation; Able to independently walk at least 10 meters (assistive devices permitted) and capable of following instructions will be required.
Exclusion: Medications that impact cognition; Diagnosed with dementia; Participants will be excluded if they have been engaged in a structured exercise training program outside their regular in/out-patient hospital rehabilitation since suffering the stroke; Absolute contraindications to exercise or MRI scanning; Significant disability (modified Rankin score >3); Co-morbidities that preclude exercise participation, pain worsened with exercise, and communication (e.g., severe aphasia) or behavioral issues limiting safe participation will also be reasons for exclusion.