Combined Exercise and Cognitive Training System for Dementia Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background/aims: We investigated the efficacy of a combined exercise and cognitive training system that we devised for improvement of attention and concentration, cognition, and activities of daily living in older adults with dementia.

Methods: A total of 100 dementia patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group was subjected to a combined exercise and cognitive training for 6 consecutive weeks. Evaluations were performed using the Trail Making Test-Part A, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and an N-type activities of daily living evaluation scale for the elderly.

Results: A comparison of the changes in scores on the evaluation scales between the intervention group and the control group showed significant interactions for all scores.

Conclusions: The combined system is effective in increasing attention and concentration and improving cognitive function and activities of daily living in dementia patients.

Keywords: Activities of daily living; Attention; Cognition; Concentration; Dementia; Exercise.