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A community-based exercise programme to improve functional ability in people with Alzheimer's disease: a randomized
Anthea Vreugdenhil1, John Cannell, Andrew Davies
1Social Work Discipline, School of Sociology and Social Work, University of Tasmania, Tas., Australia. anthea.vreugdenhil@utas.edu.au
Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences
|May 14, 2011
Summary
A community-based exercise program significantly improved cognitive function, mobility, and daily living independence for individuals with Alzheimer's disease over four months.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition common in older adults, leading to functional decline.
- This decline significantly impacts individuals with dementia, their caregivers, and healthcare systems.
- Effective interventions are crucial given the rising prevalence of dementia and limited treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based home exercise program.
- To assess improvements in cognitive function, physical function, and independence in activities of daily living (ADL).
- To specifically target individuals with Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia.
Main Methods:
- A 4-month randomized controlled trial involving 40 community-dwelling patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- Participants were randomized into an exercise group (daily exercises and walking) or a control group (usual care).
- Assessments included cognitive, physical function, and ADL measures administered by a blinded assessor at baseline and 4 months.
Main Results:
- The exercise group showed significant improvements in cognitive function, evidenced by increased Mini Mental State Examination scores (2.6 points, p < 0.001).
- Participants in the exercise group demonstrated enhanced mobility, with a 2.9-second improvement in the Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.004).
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scores increased by 1.6 points in the exercise group (p = 0.007).
Conclusions:
- Community-based exercise programs can effectively enhance cognitive and physical functioning in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
- Such programs also improve independence in activities of daily living for people with Alzheimer's disease.
- Exercise interventions represent a viable strategy to manage functional decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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