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Physical activity interventions and their effects on cognitive function in people with dementia: A systematic review
Author(s) -
Cardona Maria Isabel
Publication year - 2021
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.053540
Subject(s) - dementia , psychological intervention , cognition , randomized controlled trial , gerontology , systematic review , medline , psychology , clinical psychology , medicine , intervention (counseling) , meta analysis , psychiatry , pathology , political science , disease , law
Background As Western societies are rapidly ageing; cases of dementia have also significantly increased. Dementia has a remarkable impact not just on individuals but also on their families, communities, and society [1]. Thus, physical activity (PA) appears in the literature as an alternative non‐pharmacological approach to effectively address dementia effects [2]. Methods in order to identify and summarize PA interventions and their effects on cognitive function in persons with dementia (PwD), a systematic review was conducted in different electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, APA PsycNET, and Web of Science. Selected studies were randomized controlled trials written in English, published between 2000 and 2020, implemented among PwD, who received a PA intervention, and their cognitive functioning was measured at baseline and follow‐up. Results Twenty‐three Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Moreover, it complements evidence from other reviews by including eight studies that were not considered before. Overall, studies continue to present methodological limitations. However, six studies implemented in the last five years, have shown more solid methodological designs, including larger sample sizes and more comprehensive measurement tools. These studies did not report improvement in the cognitive function of PwD. Conclusion Retrieved data acquired through this review showed that it remains unclear whether PA improves cognitive function on PwD, our findings suggest an increase in studies methodological aspects. Moreover, new evidence reported that probably multimodal PA interventions, light to moderate intensities, and long‐term programs are more likely to benefit cognition of PwD. However, future studies should continue addressing methodological barriers and exploring optimal dose‐responses to assure conclusive results regarding PA effectiveness on PwD cognitive functioning. 1. Nations, U., World Population Ageing. United Nations , P.D. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Editor. 2019: New York. 2. Livingston, G., et al., Dementia prevention, intervention, and care . Lancet, 2017. 390(10113): p. 2673‐2734.