Physical exercise as a non-pharmacological strategy for reducing behavioral and psychological symptoms in elderly with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Abstract

Background: Elderly people with dementia may exhibit behavioral and psychological symptoms throughout the course of disease. Non-pharmacological therapies, such as regular physical activity, are considered strategies for managing these symptoms. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether participation in physical exercise programs is effective in reducing behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia. Methods: A literature review was carried out in MEDLINE (PubMed), SciELO, Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases from 2010 to 2020. The eligible studies were randomized clinical trials involving elderly people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia and assessing changes in neuropsychiatric and psychological symptoms as primary or secondary outcomes. The studies had a group with only physical exercise as an intervention compared to a control group. Results: Of 175 publications identified in the initial survey, only 7 studies met the eligibility criteria. Four out of 7 studies demonstrated positive effects in reducing behavioral symptoms, while the others did not report differences between gains according to the type of protocol. Conclusions: Moderate to intense aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises may have a potential benefit in the management of behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia, but studies varied in their conclusions. This review indicates the need for further intervention studies to investigate, as a primary outcome, the absolute effect of physical exercise and its impact on behavioral and psychological symptoms in elderly people with MCI dementia, especially in the early stages of the disease.

Comparison of dance and gymnastic intervention on cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms in sedentary elderly with cognitive impairment

“…In fact, we noted a significant decrease in neuropsychiatric symptoms particularly in agitation/aggressiveness, apathy/indifference, sleepless, anxiety, and depression. These findings indicated that physical exercise in general is effective against psychological and behavioural symptoms in dementia [52] and in MCI [16]. Steichele et al [53] suggested that aerobic exercise might be effective to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in elderly with dementia.…”

“…Non-pharmacological interventions have been recommended as first-line approaches for over a decade to improve cognition, ADL, and NPS in people with dementia [15]. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in physical exercise as a non-pharmacological treatment for MCI and dementia [16]. Gymnastic is a form of exercise commonly used in aged care institutions in France.…”

Non-Pharmacological Interventions For The Appetite And Eating Disorders In Patients With Dementia: A Cross-Over RCT

“…The Physical activity (ΡΑ) has been shown several promising results on the reduction of some BPSD (such as agitation, depression, anxiety, wandering and sleeping problems) [13][14][15]. Our intervention in accordance with the literature so far was administrated every day for 30 min.…”

Pengaruh Senam Terhadap Fungsi Kognitif Lansia : Literature Review

“…Olahraga lansia sebaiknya terdiri atas latihan yang bersifat aerobik, latihan kekuatan, dan latihan keseimbangan serta kelenturan (3) (21). Latihan ketahanan dikenal sebagai jenis latihan yang efektif untuk orang dewasa yang lebih tua untuk meningkatkan fungsi fisik, otot, dan massa otot.…”