Modulation Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Subjective Cognitive Decline

The aim of this study is to investigate the modulation effects of Baduanjin (BDJ), a simple and innovative mind-body exercise, on cognitive function, resting state functional connectivity, and brain morphometry in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The results obtained will provide novel insights for improving the prevention of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

Inclusion Criteria: * 50 - 80 years old * Self-reported experience of persistent decline in memory compared with a previous state (within the past 5 years), which was further confirmed by informants * Concerns regarding memory problems * Mini-Mental State Examination, Second Edition (MMSE-2) scores within the normal range * Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores within the normal range (adjusted for age, sex, and education) * Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0 (no memory loss or slight, inconsistent forgetfulness) Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to speak or read English * Diagnosis of depression * Other diseases that cause cognitive decline (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumor, Parkinson disease, encephalitis or epilepsy, thyroid dysfunction, severe anemia, syphilis) * History of psychosis or congenital mental growth retardation * Any delayed recall index greater than 1.5 SD below average on the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition * Failing the Memory items on the MMSE-2 and MDRS-2, as well as the CVLT-II criterion * Inability to participate in a 6-month intervention with a 3-month follow-up * Any item = 0 on the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale for cognitive reasons * No available informant * Previous diagnosis of MCI, AD, or other age-related dementia * Previous Baduanjin experience