Physical activity and behaviour in dementia: a review of the literature and implications for psychosocial intervention in primary care.

Physical activity can have a positive impact on cognition and well-being in older people. This article reviews and evaluates the effects of planned physical activity programmes on mood, sleep and functional ability in people with dementia. A total of 27 studies between 1974 and 2005 were found. Of these, four included participants living at home, two involved participants who were living either at home or in care homes and 21 included participants living solely in care homes. Since psychosocial intervention can reduce family caregiver burden, the break down of home-care and associated rates of institutionalization, the indirect effects of these physical activity programmes on the family caregiver are also explored. The scope for developing physical activity programmes for people with dementia in primary care using families and volunteers is discussed. © 2006, Sage Publications. All rights reserved

Neurorehabilitation in dementia on the move : Influences of physical activity on cognition, mood, and the rest-activity rhythm

Scherder, E.J.A. [Promotor]Swaab, D.F. [Promotor

Higher-level hand motor function in aging and (preclinical) dementia: its relationship with (instrumental) activities of daily life- A mini review

A causal relationship between physical activity such as walking and cognitive functions - particularly executive functions and memory - has been observed in elderly people with and without dementia. Executive functions play an important role in the (instrumental) activities of daily life [(I)ADL]. However, a close relationship has also been found between motor activity of the upper limb, particularly the hand, and (I)ADL. Indeed, in aging, a decline in hand motor function is related to a decrease in (I)ADL, an increase in functional dependency, admission to a nursing home, and even mortality. This review begins by addressing clinical studies on the effect of age on higher-level hand motor activity. It then discusses higher-level hand motor function in age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. It concludes by discussing the contribution of higher-level hand motor function assessment to the diagnosis of the various subtypes of (preclinical) dementia and by addressing the clinical relevance of studying higher-level hand motor function, procedural learning, and (I)ADL in aging and (preclinical) dementia. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG

Observation of Hand movements by Older Persons with Dementia: Effects on Cognition: a Pilot Study

Background/Aim: Hand movement observation activates mirror neurons, located in brain areas that are vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. We examined the effects of hand movement observation on cognition in older persons with dementia. Methods: Nursing home residents with dementia (n = 44) watched either videos showing hand movements or videos showing a documentary for 30 min, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. Neuropsychological tests were performed at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Results: Linear mixed model analyses revealed a significant interaction effect on an attention test, but not on cognitive domains. Additional analyses showed that a face recognition task improved significantly. Conclusion: Although these findings do not support an overall beneficial effect of hand movement observation on cognition in dementia, specific cognitive functions improved. Future studies are warranted. © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel