Effect of Exercise or Physical Activity in Elderly Adults with Dementia

Abstract

The worldwide population of elderly people suffering dementia is considerable. In 2005, 1.69 million persons in Japan suffered from Alzheimer s disease AD and other forms of dementia. Considering the ageing of the population, the number of elderly adults with dementia should rise to 3.78 million in 2045. The physical and mental benefits of exercise are universally recognized. Exercise training promotes extensive cardiovascular changes and adaptive mechanisms in both the peripheral and cerebral vasculature, such as improved organ blood flow, induction of antioxidant pathways, and enhanced angiogenesis and vascular regeneration. Clinical studies have demonstrated a reduction of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease among exercising individuals. Exercise also regulates the brain function, but the mechanism by which it does so is unknown. In this article, I summarize current knowledge about the potential benefits of physical exercise in elderly adults with AD and other dementia, and then describe the development of a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program for this population. Evidence from some longitudinal studies and randomized trials suggests that physical exercise enhances cognitive function in older adults with dementia. Accumulating evidence from human studies suggests that physical activity may reduce the risk of poor cognition and early cognitive decline. In conclusion, recent studies suggest that regular physical exercise can enhance cognitive function and functional activities activities daily living, exercise capacity, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, car-diopulmonary function in elderly adults with dementia and that engaging in physical exercise may, along with other health benefits, delay or prevent the onset and progression of dementia. Jpn J Rehabil Med .