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Walk with Me Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Walking for Older Adults with Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 16, 2023
Six-month walking program changes cognitive and ADL performance in patients with Alzheimer
Massimo Venturelli1, Renato Scarsini, Federico Schena
1Department of Neurological, Morphological and Motor Sciences, University of Verona, Italy. massimo.venturelli@univr.it
American Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease and Other Dementias
|August 20, 2011
Summary
A walking program for Alzheimer's patients in nursing homes improved daily activities and walking ability. It also slowed cognitive decline, suggesting exercise benefits for dementia care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Motor inactivity is common in advanced Alzheimer's disease.
- Physical exercise may improve mood and daily functioning in dementia patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if a walking program can mitigate functional and cognitive decline in elderly Alzheimer's patients.
- Investigate the impact of a 24-week walking intervention on Alzheimer's disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 21 elderly nursing home residents.
- Intervention group (WG) participated in a walking program; control group (CG) did not.
- Evaluated 6-minute walking test (6WT), Barthel index (ADLs), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The walking group (WG) showed significant improvements in 6WT (20%) and ADLs (23%).
- The control group (CG) experienced a significant decline in MMSE scores (-47%).
- The WG exhibited a slower rate of cognitive decline (-13%) compared to the CG.
Conclusions:
- A structured walking program can help stabilize cognitive decline in nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.
- Exercise interventions are beneficial for maintaining functional abilities and potentially slowing cognitive impairment in advanced dementia.
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