A program of exercise, brain training, and lecture to prevent cognitive decline

Abstract

Objective We examined the benefits of a community‐based program combining physical exercise, cognitive training, and education on dementia and lifestyle habits. Methods This crossover open‐label trial included 141 community‐dwelling elderly people with suspected mild cognitive decline (MCD). Subjects were assigned to a 6‐month intervention‐first/6‐month observation‐second (INT‐OBS) group or an OBS‐INT group. The 6‐month intervention consisted of 2 h of physical exercise, cognitive training, and classroom study or rest once weekly. Primary outcome was change in Touch Panel‐type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS) score. Results TDAS score improved significantly during the intervention period compared with the observation period for all subjects (P < 0.05). Some physical functions also improved significantly during the intervention period compared with the observation period in the OBS‐INT group (P < 0.05). Interpretation This community‐based program improved both cognitive and physical function in elderly people with suspected MCD.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cognitive function in Japanese community-dwelling older adults in a class for preventing cognitive decline

“…In our previous study [1] that evaluated the cognitive function of older adults with suspected cognitive decline using TDAS, we observed an average natural deterioration of 0.74 points (standard error 0.43) after a six month observational period. Based on this result, we set the criteria for cognitive decline as a 2-point or more decrease in TDAS score from the January to March 2020 assessment to the June to July 2020 assessment.…”

“…Recently, local governments throughout Japan have made efforts against dementia. In Houki town (Tottori Prefecture, Japan), classes are held for community-dwelling older adults with suspected mild cognitive decline to provide cognitive decline prevention programs that combine physical exercise, cognitive training, and education on dementia and lifestyle habits [1]. A previous study has shown that combined cognitive and physical training, delivered either simultaneously or sequentially, is effective in promoting both cognitive and physical health in old age [2].…”

Examination of the cognitive function of Japanese community-dwelling older adults in a class for preventing cognitive decline during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The second limitation is that we cannot control for the carryover effect of attending the classes. In a previous study, it was suggested that the effect of the cognitive decline prevention program used in the class may not be sustained for up to 6 months after the intervention is stopped [ 1 ]. However, in this study, the class was only suspended for around three months.…”

“…In our previous study [ 1 ] that evaluated the cognitive function of older adults with suspected cognitive decline using TDAS, we observed an average natural deterioration of 0.74 points (standard error 0.43) after a six month observational period. Based on this result, we set the criteria for cognitive decline as a 2-point or worse in the TDAS score from the January to March 2020 assessment to the June to July 2020 assessment.…”

“…Recently, local governments throughout Japan have made efforts against dementia. In Houki town (Tottori Prefecture, Japan), classes of about 10–20 people per class are held for community-dwelling older adults with suspected mild cognitive decline to provide cognitive decline prevention programs that combine physical exercise, cognitive training, and education on dementia and lifestyle habits [ 1 ]. A previous study has shown that combined cognitive and physical training, delivered either simultaneously or sequentially, is effective in promoting both cognitive and physical health in old age [ 2 ].…”