Resistance Exercise Training in Individuals Aged 60 and Older With Mild Cognitive Impairment

The aging population in Chile and worldwide is increasing, with older people expected to represent 32.1% of the population by 2050. This demographic shift brings age-related pathologies such as dementia, a leading cause of disability and dependence among older individuals globally. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) precedes dementia and presents a critical therapeutic window for halting or slowing its progression. While resistance exercise training appears promising for this at-risk population, few studies have evaluated its effects on cognitive function and muscle strength in individuals with MCI. Hypothesis: Twelve weeks of progressive resistance exercise training will significantly improve cognitive function, skeletal muscle mass, and strength in people over 60 years of age with MCI compared to the usual therapy in the control group. Goal: The main objective of this study is to compare the effect of progressive resistance exercise training with usual therapy (control group) on cognitive function, skeletal muscle mass, and strength in individuals over 60 years of age with mild cognitive impairment. Methodology: In this randomized controlled trial, we will recruit 60 participants (both men and women) aged 60 years or older. Participants will be identified with MCI using the MoCA and Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (PFAQ). They will be randomly assigned to two equal groups: a control group (receiving usual therapy) and an intervention group (receiving usual therapy plus resistance training). All participants in both groups will be evaluated before (Pre-time 0) and after (Post-time 1) the intervention. During the evaluations, samples and measurements will be taken, including fasting blood samples for BDNF and CTSB measurement, whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess global muscle mass, and magnetic resonance imaging of the quadriceps and brain. Global cognitive function will be evaluated using the ACEIII test, maximum strength with 1