Physical therapy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of physical therapy on the cognitive and functional capacity of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This is a systematic review of randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials, using the descriptors: AD, dementia and physical therapy. Two studies were included with a total of 207 participants. In study 1, no statistically significant difference was found on the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) (MD 0.0, 95%CI −5.76 to 5.76), neuropsychiatric inventory (MD −4.50, 95%CI −21.24 to 12.24) and Pfeffer instrumental activities questionnaire (MD 0.0 95%CI −6.48 to 6.48). In study 2, there was no statistically significant difference on the MMSE (MD −1.60, 95% CI −3.57 to 0.37), clock-drawing test (MD −0.20, 95%CI −0.61 to 0.21) and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale - cognitive subscale (MD 1.0, 95%CI −2.21 to 4.21) after 12 months. There was no consistent evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic intervention in improving cognitive function and functional capacity of patients with AD. More studies should be conducted for better evidence.

Salivary Testosterone and Cortisol Levels in Tunisian Elderly Male Patients With Mild Alzheimer’s Disease. Implications of Musical Therapy And/Or Physical Rehabilitation

“…Physical therapy also plays an important role in reducing complications of AD. It mainly involves the use of aerobic or anaerobic exercise aimed at improving functional capacity, preventing cognitive decline and memory, reducing the risk of falls during the illness, and reducing medication used although current evidence remains insufficient to conclude that physical therapy is effective for AD (Picanco et al, 2018;Kaloni and Negi, 2019;Marques et al, 2019). Physical activity appears to maintain optimal blood circulation in the brain and reduce the loss of connections that naturally occur at this level with aging.…”

“…Physical activity appears to maintain optimal blood circulation in the brain and reduce the loss of connections that naturally occur at this level with aging. However, the current evidence remains insufficient to conclude that physical therapy is an effective alternative to drug therapies in the treatment of AD (Dawson et al, 2019;Kaloni and Negi, 2019;Marques et al, 2019). We compared four groups of patients, single intervention (i.e., MT or PR), associated intervention (i.e., MT + PR) or control (i.e., Co) after 4 months.…”

“…The effectiveness of physical exercise in preventing disability risks and cognitive and memory decline have been well reported (Picanco et al, 2018;Kaloni and Negi, 2019;Marques et al, 2019). Physical activity can also improve brain function and memory and may delay the decline in the ability to perform tasks in people who have AD by improving their strength, balance, walking ability, etc.…”

Physical Therapy for Gait, Balance, and Cognition in Individuals with Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Analysis

“…These motor impairments have received less treatment and research attention compared to the more prominent cognitive impairments. Subsequently, while physical activity programs for the prevention of and management of CI have begun to be implemented, physical therapy (PT) to address the motor impairment has not been considered a primary treatment strategy for individuals with CI [ 11 , 12 ]. However, evidence supports that exercise can mitigate some of the cognitive and motor impairment [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Habilidades Motoras de Crianças em Berçários:

“…Finalmente, tanto los estudios actuales como los anteriores pueden tener una buena calidad metodológica, independientemente del factor de impacto de la revista. A fisioterapia é uma importante aliada no processo de tratamento dos pacientes com DA, tendo como objetivos prorrogar o avanço da doença, impedir encurtamentos e deformidades, além de promover maior independência funcional 8 , melhorando sua qualidade de vida 9 . De forma a proporcionar o melhor tipo de intervenção a esta população, a conduta deve ser baseada nos resultados de ensaios clínicos aleatorizados bem conduzidos, de elevada qualidade metodológica ou de revisões sistemáticas.…”