Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise Toolkit: Impact on the Knowledge, Perspectives, and Practices of Exercise Providers

Abstract

Physical activity improves the well-being of persons living with dementia but few exercise programs include them. The Dementia- Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) toolkit aims to improve exercise providers' understanding of dementia and ability to support persons livingwith dementia in physical activity.Weevaluated the co-designedDICE toolkit with exercise providers using amixedmethods approach comprising pre/post questionnaires and interviews and reflection diaries.Among 16 participants, self-efficacy for exercise delivery to persons living with dementia and both knowledge and attitudes toward dementia significantly improved. Thematic analysis suggested participants (a) had a deeper understanding of the variability of dementia, (b) were planning for equitable access for persons livingwith dementia, (c) planned to promote social connection through exercise, and (d)were optimistic for future engagement with persons living with dementia. The DICE toolkit may improve exercise providers' knowledge and confidence to plan proactively to support persons living with dementia in programs and services.