Effects of a multicomponent exercise program in institutionalized elders with Alzheimer's disease

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) significantly impacts cognitive function, physical fitness, and anthropometric variables in institutionalized elders.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are crucial for managing AD symptoms and improving quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a six-month Multicomponent Training (MT) program on cognitive function, functional fitness, and anthropometric variables in institutionalized patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Main Methods:

• A supervised six-month MT program (aerobic, resistance, flexibility, postural exercises) was implemented twice weekly for the experimental group (EG).
• Thirty-seven institutionalized AD patients were divided into an EG (n=19) and a control group (CG, n=18).
• Cognitive function (MMSE), physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test), and anthropometric variables (BMI, Waist Circumference) were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• The EG showed significant improvements in several functional fitness tests (chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step, 8-foot up-and-go, chair sit-and-reach, back scratch) and cognitive function (MMSE) compared to the CG.
• The CG exhibited a decline in these measures over the six-month period.
• Waist circumference also showed significant group and time interactions.

Conclusions:

• Multicomponent Training (MT) is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for enhancing physical and cognitive functions in institutionalized Alzheimer's disease patients.
• Regular MT interventions can help mitigate functional decline associated with Alzheimer's disease in long-term care settings.