Physical Exercise and Dementia

Abstract

A nine-week-long aerobic and strength training program improves cognitive and motor function in patients with dementia: A randomized, controlled trial. A nine-week-long aerobic and strength training program improves cognitive and motor function: A randomized, controlled trial Chapter 5 ABSTRACT Objectives 1) To compare training and follow-up effects of combined aerobic and strength training versus aerobic-only training on cognitive and motor function in institutionalized patients with dementia and 2) to explore whether improved motor function mediates improved cognitive function. Design A nine-week, parallel, three-group, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial with a follow-up assessment at week eighteen. Setting A psycho-geriatric nursing home. Participants Patients with dementia (N = 109, age = 85.5 ± 5.1 years). Intervention Each nine-week-long intervention consisted of 36, 30-minute-long sessions. A Combined group (N = 37) received and completed two strength and two walking sessions per week. An Aerobic group (N = 36) completed four walking sessions and a Social group (N = 36) completed four social visits per week. Measurements Cognitive and motor functions were assessed at baseline, after the nine-week-long intervention, and after a consecutive nine weeks of usual care. Results Baseline corrected posttest scores in the Combined versus Social group were higher for global cognition, visual memory, verbal memory, executive function, walking endurance, leg muscle strength, and balance. Aerobic versus Social group scores were higher for executive function. Follow-up effects reversed towards baseline values. Changes in motor function did not significantly mediate changes in cognitive function. Conclusions Compared to a non-exercise control group, a combination of aerobic and strength versus aerobic-only training is superior in slowing cognitive and motor decline in patients with dementia. No mediating effects between improvements in cognitive function via improved motor function were found, and future research into the underlying mechanistic associations is needed.