Structured physical exercise improves neuropsychiatric symptoms in acute dementia care: a hospital-based RCT

Abstract

BackgroundThe primary objective of this trial is to investigate the effects of a short-term exercise program on neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms in acute hospital dementia care.MethodsWithin a hospital-based randomized controlled trial, the intervention group conducted a 2-week exercise program with four 20-min exercise sessions on 3 days per week. The control group conducted a social stimulation program. Effects on neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms were measured via the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study-Clinical Global Impression of Change, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory. The antipsychotic and sedative dosage was quantified by olanzapine and diazepam equivalents.ResultsEighty-five patients were randomized via minimization to an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). Seventy patients (82%) (mean age 80 years, 33 females, mean Mini Mental State Examination score 18.3 points) completed the trial. As compared to the CG (n = 35), the IG (n = 35) showed significantly reduced neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms. Especially, agitated behavior and lability improved. There were no between-group differences concerning antipsychotic and benzodiazepine medication.ConclusionsThis exercise program is easily applicable in hospital dementia care and significantly reduces neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms in patients suffering from predominantly moderate stages of dementia.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trial Register DRKS00006740. Registered 28 October 2014.

Association between sedentary behavior and the risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In recent years, there has been a growing interest in physical exercise as a non-pharmacological treatment for dementia 8,9 . Certainly, some studies have reported that regular physical exercise can favorably affect the physical and cognitive functions of patients with dementia 10,11 .…”

Role of physical activity in ameliorating neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer disease: A narrative review

“…Furthermore, many geriatric syndromes may also be prevented by reducing NPs . However, there is a limited number of studies upon the effect of physical activity on NPs, of which the results are conflicting . Therefore, this review is aimed to explain the current literature and the effects of physical activity on NPs in patients with AD and to raise awareness about this issue.…”

“…Physical activity can reduce the risk or delay the onset of AD 16 and has a positive effect on cognitive flexibility, depressive symptoms, cardiovascular health, sleep (REM sleep behavior disorder), and general wellness, which are predictors for ongoing neurodegenerative process in patients without dementia 17,18 ; it can also improve cognitive functions and NPs in patients with dementia, and the role of physical activity is a novel area of research in dementia, in particular in AD. [19][20][21][22] Furthermore, many geriatric syndromes may also be prevented by reducing NPs. 23 However, there is a limited number of studies upon the effect of physical activity on NPs, of which the results are conflicting.…”

Implementing physical exercise and music interventions for patients suffering from dementia on an acute psychogeriatric inpatient ward

“…Recently Bürge et al [30] found no benefit of four weeks exercise programme over a social activity programme in ADL. Moreover Fleiner et al [31] examined two weeks exercise programme.…”