Cognitive-motor intervention in Alzheimer's disease: long-term results from the Maria Wolff trial

Little is known about the long-term acceptance and effects of cognitive and motor stimulation interventions (CMSI) in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

To evaluate a replicable CMSI program for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild-to-moderate AD persons.

Eighty-four non-institutionalized subjects with AD were randomized to receive either CMSI, administered by a single care provider, or standard support. Cognition, activities of daily living (ADL), mood, and study partner's subjective burden were assessed by blinded raters. Data on institutionalization, psychiatric medications, and demise were collected by the study physicians. Random effects model and survival analyses were conducted, after 2 and 3 years of study.

Three-year assessments could be performed by the physician in 85% and by the blinded rater in 66% of subjects. Significant benefits were observed in basic ADL at the 2- and 3-year assessments, whereas instrumental ADL showed benefits only up to the second year of intervention (p < 0.05).

Long-term cognitive-motor stimulation is well accepted and produces functional benefits in subjects with AD, with no extra subjective burden in the partner.