Impact of physical activity on activity of daily living in moderate to severe dementia: a critical review

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to describe the different modalities of physical activity programs designed for moderate to severe dementia and to identify their impact on functional independence in activities of daily living (ADL). A critical review of randomized controlled trials related to the impact of physical activity programs in moderately to severely demented persons on ADL performance and meta-analysis of the identified studies were performed. Among the 303 identified articles, five responded to the selection criteria. Four out of the five studies demonstrated limited methodological quality. In one high-quality study, physical activity programs significantly delayed deterioration of ADL performance. The program components and ADL assessment tools vary widely across studies. Although the proposed treatments have not proven their efficiency in improving the ADL status of the patients, they were able to limit the decline in ADL functioning. Future research is warranted in order to identify clinically relevant modalities for physical activity programs for people with moderate to severe dementia.

The intervention of the physiotherapist in the patient with dementia in palliative care

“…Physical activity maked in group and accompanied by music may more easily respond to the expectations of patients with dementia and increase their adherence to exercise ( Burge, Kuhne, Berchtold, Maupetit, & von Gunten, 2012). The touch in people with dementia at the end of life is as or more important as at other stages of life.…”

Does physical exercise improve ADL capacities in people over 65 years with moderate or severe dementia hospitalized in an acute psychiatric setting? A multisite randomized clinical trial

“…They found insufficient evidence to either recommend physical activity programs, or advocate against their use. The review of Bürge et al (2012) showed only weak evidence regarding the impact of exercise programs on ADL among patients with moderate or severe dementia. Rao et al (2014) concluded, in their systematic review, that aerobic and strengthening exercises do improve physical performance and may help improve independence in ADL in people with Alzheimer disease.…”

Reeducación psicomotriz en personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer

“…Entre las facultades cognitivas afectadas destacamos la pérdida temprana de la capacidad de fijar nueva información y recordar acontecimientos (amnesia); reconocer los objetos en su entorno (agnosia); comunicarse, expresarse y entender (afasia). Un factor que incide en la dependencia de la persona mayor con EA es la pérdida progresiva de la capacidad física y funcional, impidiendo la realización de las actividades de la vida cotidiana (apraxia) 4 . Este estado impacta en la calidad de vida (CdV) de los enfermos y en la de sus cuidadores [5][6][7] .…”

“…Las terapias complementarias corresponden a técnicas de intervención con una aproximación holística e integradora que tienen como objetivo mejorar el bienestar general de las personas enfermas 10,11 . El ejercicio físico es un tipo de terapia complementaria en que la práctica habitual tiene un efecto beneficioso para la salud en la EA 12 . Sus efectos se circunscriben a nivel físico y funcional 13,14 mejorando el mantenimiento de la autonomía, la disminución de la carga de los cuidadores y el riesgo de institucionalización 15 .…”