New study to examine pairing GLP-1 medication with exercise to reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk

As Alzheimer’s disease continues to impact millions of individuals and families, researchers at AdventHealth are advancing new ways to help people maintain memory, independence and overall well-being as they age.

That effort is now supported by a $350,000 grant from the Florida Department of Health, awarded to Kirk Erickson, Ph.D., to lead a study examining whether combining medication and exercise can lower the risk of cognitive decline.

The study — known as GLP-1 and Activity Interventions for Neuroprotection (GAIN) — will examine whether pairing a GLP-1 receptor agonist, tirzepatide, commonly used to treat obesity and Type 2 diabetes, with regular exercise can produce greater benefits for cognitive function and brain health than exercise alone.

Obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity are among the strongest risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease — but they’re also modifiable, creating an important opportunity to protect brain health.

“Alzheimer’s disease affects more than memory. It impacts independence, identity and connection to others,” Erickson said. “This research takes a whole-person approach, exploring how staying physically active and managing overall health can help people remain mentally sharp and more in control as they age.”

Exercise is already one of the most effective and accessible ways to support brain health, improving blood flow, metabolism and the growth of brain cells. At the same time, GLP-1 medications have shown early promise in protecting brain function and reducing dementia risk.

While each has shown promise independently, researchers do not yet fully understand how they may work together — a key question the GAIN study aims to answer.

The GAIN study will test whether combining the two interventions creates a greater, potentially synergistic effect on memory and brain health.

Participants will take part in a six-month program that includes:

• Supervised aerobic exercise
• For some participants, a weekly GLP-1 medication

The study will evaluate:

• Cognitive performance
• Brain structure and function using advanced imaging
• Blood-based biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s disease

By focusing on prevention and early intervention, researchers — with support from the Florida Department of Health’s Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimer’s Disease Research Program — aim to develop practical, evidence-based strategies that help people take a more active role in protecting their brain health and preserving their quality of life.

This work builds on a broader commitment to advancing research across the system. In 2025, the AdventHealth Research Institute had 802 clinical studies underway systemwide, including 609 in the Central Florida Division.