FREQUENCY AND ETIOLOGIES OF EARLY AND LATE ONSET DEMENTIA IN THREE TERTIARY REFERRAL CENTERS IN KOREA

Abstract

Furthermore, an observational shows that greater cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with slowed progression of dementia and brain atrophy in patientswithAD.Objectivewas to assess the influence of physical activity and cognition on ADL.Methods: In the present study, data from the Preserving quality of life, physical health and functional ability in A lzheimer’s d isease: The effect of physical ex ercise (ADEX) study a randomized controlled multicentre study, was used. Baseline data from 166 patients with AD (age (mean 6SD): 70,9 67,5; gender (f/m): 72/94; Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)(mean 6SD): 24,1 63,6) were included.ADL was assessed by the Alzheimer’s Disease Co-operative Study Activities of Daily Living (ADCSADL) scale and physical activity by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) (caregiver interview).Furthermore, global cognitive function and mental speed/attention was assessed by the MMSE and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), respectively. Two linear regression models were performed to investigate the impact of SDMT and PASE on ADCS-ADL. Covariates were PASE, age, gender and MMSE. In the second model, PASE was replaced by SDMT. Results: A significant association between ADL and PASE was found and between ADL and SDMT (B: 0,06; (SE: 6 0,02); b:0,27; and B: 0,06 (SE: 6 0,06); b:0,09, respectively).Conclusions:Bothmental speed/attention (SDMT) and physical activity (PASE) had a significant but modest association with ADL. There was a tendency that low physical activity was associated with impairedADL to a greater extent than mental speed/attention. Future studies should to clarify if improving physical activity may supplement pharmacotherapy in postponing the decline in ADL in patients with AD.