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Exercise intervention and promoting physical activity to prevent and delay onset of dementia
Author(s) -
Park Hyuntae,
Park Kyung Won,
Yang Jakyung,
Thapa Ngeemasara,
Park Hyejin,
Son Haeun,
Jang Minwoo,
Lee Jihyeon,
Kim Hansol
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.044306
Subject(s) - cognition , dementia , physical therapy , intervention (counseling) , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , randomized controlled trial , cognitive decline , aerobic exercise , cognitive intervention , clinical trial , cognitive training , gerontology , psychology , psychiatry , disease
Background This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combined‐exercise intervention program on cognitive and physical functions. Method In a randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 167 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The definition of MCI was based on medical evaluations through a clinical interview conducted by a dementia specialist. Cognitive assessments were performed by neuropsychologists according to standardized methods, including the MMSE and frontal cognitive function, both at baseline and at 6 months follow‐up. The program comprised physical activity and behavior modification, exercise (aerobic and resistance), and a cognitive and exercise combined intervention program. Result Analysis of the subjects for group‐time interactions revealed that the exercise group exhibited a significantly improved attention, working memory, and executive function. Total habitual physical activity levels during intervention were associated with improvements in cognitive function, gait performance and the SPPB score, and the associations were stronger for those who are 75 and older are more likely than for <75, and those who have prefrail than frail individuals. Conclusion The 6‐month combined intervention improved cognitive function and physical function in patients with cognitive impairment relative to controls. Encouraging and motivating older adults, particularly old‐older adults and prefrail individual, to improve moderate physical activity under supervision, during ongoing intervention, may be more beneficial to prevent cognitive decline and improve exercise adherence.