Breathing exercises and brain games may slow Alzheimer's risk, study suggests

NCT ID NCT05602220

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Southern California Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether daily paced breathing combined with brain training games could improve attention, memory, and reduce Alzheimer's-related markers in healthy adults aged 50-70. Participants did brain training and paced breathing at home for 10 weeks, and provided blood and urine samples during lab visits. The goal was to see if these simple activities could lower amyloid beta levels, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: paced breathing and brain training
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward simple daily routines that may help maintain cognitive health and reduce Alzheimer's risk in older adults.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (91 participants) focused on measuring changes in biomarkers, not preventing or treating disease. Results may not apply to the general population.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California, 90089, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.