A Narrative Review of Physical Performance Changes in Dementia: Differences between Community and Nursing Home...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Dementia significantly impacts physical function, affecting daily living activities.
• Understanding physical performance trajectories in dementia is crucial for care planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare longitudinal changes in physical performance among individuals with dementia living in community versus nursing home settings.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of longitudinal studies was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Included studies assessed physical performance in adults aged 65+ with moderate to severe dementia (MMSE ≤20).
• Physical performance was categorized into strength, balance, mobility, and combined measures, with changes quantified over time.

Main Results:

• Twenty studies were included, with most focusing on nursing home residents.
• Nursing home residents showed decline across all physical performance domains within 3-36 months.
• Community-dwelling individuals with dementia exhibited decline only in combined physical performance over 12-24 months.

Conclusions:

• Physical performance deteriorates across multiple domains in nursing home residents with dementia.
• Community-dwelling individuals with dementia show a more limited decline, but data is sparse.
• Further research is needed to understand long-term physical performance trajectories and transitions between care settings.