The new program will equip fitness professionals with tools to support individuals interested in maximizing cognitive and physical fitness, as well as those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments to prevent, manage symptoms and slow progression of neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia, 45% of which are tied to lifestyle.
That’s where the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a non-profit education and certification provider for health coaches and exercise professionals, and Jonathan Ross of Funtensity, a workout combining brain health and fitness, enter the picture. The two have come together to launch the Alzheimer’s Fitness Specialist Program.
“Physical activity supports brain health at every stage of life, and we have the opportunity to make it even more effective,” said Ross. “When exercise includes elements of fun, interactivity and cognitive challenge, its benefits for brain health are significantly amplified.”
The program educates fitness professionals on supporting individuals interested in maximizing cognitive fitness and preventing cognitive decline, as well as those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia through physical activity programming.
“As the population ages, the need for compassionate, informed care grows increasingly urgent,” said ACE CEO Cedric X. Bryant. “This program offers a powerful opportunity for health and exercise professionals to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families navigating Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.”
The program arrives as Alzheimer’s is on the rise, with cases expected to double in the U.S. and triple worldwide by 2050. Since 2000, deaths from the disease have climbed 140%.
What to Expect From the Program
The seven-module course, developed by Ross, marries scientific research with practical strategies to support cognitive and physical function in individuals affected by Alzheimer’s. Beginning with foundational education on the disease, it shifts into real-world applications for fitness professionals, such as how to safely support individuals and caregivers.
By the end, professionals will earn the ACE Alzheimer’s Fitness Specialist credential, signifying their knowledge to design fitness programs that enhance cognitive function, promote independence and improve overall quality of life for those affected by memory loss.
“What sets this program apart is its deeply human-centered approach,” ACE certified personal trainer Nicole Thompson told Athletech News. “Beyond improving memory and motor function, it aims to restore moments of joy, connection, and purpose for individuals and caregivers.”
The program includes exercises like walking drills to support balance, coordination and spatial awareness, along with cognitive exercises — simple mental tasks paired with movement to reinforce attention, memory and executive function, Thompson explained.
The exercise library includes training that targets:
Aerobic Training: Rhythmic step-based and gait-based challenges to elevate heart rate while maintaining cognitive focus
Auditory Reactivity: Respond to sound cues with directional shifts or object taps, focusing on training attention and reaction time
Visual Reactivity: Target-spotting and movement toward visual prompts to enhance spatial awareness
Memory, Attention & Problem-Solving: Movement paired with recall tasks, sequencing, and naming to reinforce working memory
Partner & Friendly Competition Activities: Social game-style drills that build motivation, laughter, and connection
“The course equips fitness professionals to work compassionately within their scope, collaborate with healthcare teams, and integrate fun, creative activities into their client’s daily life, helping clients not just live longer, but live better,” Thompson told ATN.
Thompson explained that each exercise section is specifically designed to progress from simple to more complex tasks that stimulate the brain and body.
“The program’s structure mirrors the brain’s functional decline in Alzheimer’s and applies interventions proven to help maintain or rebuild neural connectivity,” she said. “Research has shown that combining movement with cognitive challenge (known as dual-task training) stimulates neuroplasticity and supports regions like the hippocampus, which are among the first affected in Alzheimer’s.”
