The Impact of Physical versus Social Activity on the Physical and Cognitive Functioning of Seniors with Dementia

Abstract

ABSTRACTIndividuals with dementia who reside in long-term care (LTC) are prone to loss of functional independence. The purpose of this study was to determine if regular physical activity was effective at maintaining/improving physical and cognitive function in this population as compared to a social activity intervention. Sixteen older adults with dementia residing in LTC were randomly assigned to either a walking program or a weekly group social visit program. Functional indicators assessed at baseline, after six weeks, and after 12 weeks were timed up-and-go, functional reach, and six-minute walk. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in timed up-and-go, functional reach, six-minute walk, or Mini-Mental State at any time point. However, at the individual level, differences were observed in percent change scores in timed-up-and-go, six-minute walk, and Mini-Mental State from baseline to the end of the 12 weeks.