Language-enriched exercise plus socialization slows cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2007 Feb-Mar;22(1):62-77. doi: 10.1177/1533317506295377.

Abstract

This article reports the effects of language-enriched physical fitness interventions provided by University of Arizona undergraduate students to 24 mild- to moderate-stage Alzheimer's disease patients (AD Rehab group). Socialization experiences consisted of supervised volunteer work and cultural/recreational activities. Changes in global functioning and neuropsychological test performance were tracked and compared to those of a similar group of untreated patients from the Consortium for the Establishment of a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD). Cohorts completing 4 semesters or longer showed no significant between-year changes after their first year on the Clinical Dementia Rating, a measure of global functioning, and on 5 or 6 of the cognitive and language measures. Comparisons with the CERAD sample suggested a slower rate of decline for the AD Rehab group. The stabilization of global and cognitive performance was not apparent among participants who completed only 2 semesters. Significant physical fitness and mood outcomes were previously reported in this journal.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Culture
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language Therapy*
  • Male
  • Mental Recall
  • Mental Status Schedule
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Physical Fitness
  • Recreation
  • Socialization*
  • Volunteers / psychology