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Brain and Body Fitness Group for Those With Dementia and Their Caregivers Through Community Partnership: A Program

Lindsey Jg Creapeau¹, Norah Mm Airth-Kindree², Jeffrey A Goodman³

¹Department of Management and Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, creapelj@uwec.edu.

WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin

|September 15, 2025

Abstract

Introduction:

The growing prevalence of dementia calls for nonpharmacological interventions to reduce negative quality of life effects for those living with dementia and their caregivers. Brain and Body Fitness, a community-based collaborative group program, engages people living with dementia and their caregivers through a combination of physical, cognitive, and socialization strategies, to maximize health benefits for sustained functioning.

Methods:

Using an adapted form of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Applied Cognition tool, ex post facto data were collected from both participants affected with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their caregivers during 12 biweekly sessions of the Brain and Body Fitness program conducted from 2017 through 2021.

Results:

Brain and Body Fitness program participants were affected by 4 quality of life indicators: anxiety, sleep, fatigue, and depression. Data reveal significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and significant improvements in fatigue for affected participants. Anecdotally, the program demonstrates nonsignificant trends of overall mood improvement.

Conclusions:

Given the positive outcomes, communities may consider adopting a similar program to provide additional support for participants.

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