[REHABILITATION OF MOBILITY AND MOTOR FUNCTION IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA]

Few clinical trials have evaluated exercise programs developed specifically for patients with dementia in nursing home settings.

To determine if a training program tailored for demented patients, can be implemented in a nursing home setting in order to improve motor performances in patients with dementia who suffered functional decline.

The present intervention was conducted in wards of patients suffering from dementia in three nursing homes. Patients suffering from dementia and hospitalized in a rehabilitation hospital were the control arm. Eligible patients in the wards assigned to the intervention group (NH; n = 24) received exercise training specifically designed for patients with dementia. Patients in the rehabilitation hospital were observed as a control group (RH; n = 50) and received usual care treatment. Primary endpoints were changes in Functional Independence Measure (FIM), 5X Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed up and go test and ADL. Basic parameters were examined as predictors of positive training response.

Both the nursing home residents and rehabilitation hospital patients improved significantly in both primary endpoints (change: in Functional Independence Measure, NH: +119.2 ± 30.8 % versus RH: +83.3 ± 41.9%, p < 0.001; ADL, NH: +143.5 ± 102.6% versus RH: +59.0 ± 90.2%, p < 0.001). Age was found to be a predictor of positive training response.

This functional training program tailored for demented patients can be implemented in a nursing home setting to improve motor performances in patients with dementia. Such interventions should be further evaluated in larger randomized controlled trials.