Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2008 Aug-Sep;23(4):382-94.
doi: 10.1177/1533317508317527. Epub 2008 May 4.

The effects of a multimodal intervention on outcomes of persons with early-stage dementia

Sandy C Burgener  1 , Yang Yang, Ruth Gilbert, Sara Marsh-Yant
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The effects of a multimodal intervention on outcomes of persons with early-stage dementia

Sandy C Burgener et al. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2008 Aug-Sep.

Abstract

Theories supporting the existence of a use-dependent neuroplasticity in the older brain were used to guide this pilot study. A repeated-measures randomized design was used to test the effectiveness of a multimodal (Taiji exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapies, support group) intervention on cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and behavioral outcomes in persons with dementia. The treatment group (n = 24 persons with dementia) participated in a 40-week intervention, with outcomes assessed at 20 and 40 weeks to assess optimal treatment length. Control group subjects (n = 19 persons with dementia) received attention-control educational programs. At 20 weeks, differences between groups were found for mental ability and self-esteem, with gains in balance being evident. Also, stability in depression and physical health were evident at 20 and 40 weeks for treatment group subjects. Continued improvement in outcomes was not observed at 40 weeks. However, findings support further testing of the intervention along with potential for achieving positive outcomes in early-stage dementia.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Fillit HM, Butler RN, O'Connell AW, et al. Achieving and maintaining cognitive vitality with aging. Mayo Clin Proc. 2002;77:681-696. - PubMed
    1. Heyn P., Abreu BC, Ottenbacher KJ The effects of exercise training on elderly persons with cognitive impairment and dementia: a meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil . 2004;85:1694-1704. - PubMed
    1. Ray WA, Taylor JA, Meador KG, et al. A randomized trial of a consultation service to reduce falls in nursing homes. JAMA. 1997;278:557-562. - PubMed
    1. Rolland Y., Rival L., Pillard F., et al. Feasibily of regular physical exercise for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer disease. J Nutr Health Aging. 2000;4:109-113. - PubMed
    1. Van de Winckel A., Feys H., De Weerdt W., Dom R. Cognitive and behavioural effects of music-based exercises in patients with dementia. Clin Rehabil. 2004;18: 253-260. - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms