Feasibility [corrected] of regular physical exercise for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer disease.
BACKGROUND
Physical activity delays loss of autonomy in the elderly. In patients with Alzheimer disease (AD), physical activity could be a useful strategy in therapeutic management by delaying loss of functional independence and the usual complications of the disease.


OBJECTIVE
To determine, using standardized tools, the effects on autonomy (ADL, IADL), cognitive function (MMS), nutritional status (MNA), behavioral problems (NPI) and risk of falls (Tinetti test) of a physical exercise program in patients with AD.


METHODS
Twenty-three subjects (13 men and 10 women, aged 71-92 years, mean 78 years) with AD (mean MMS 16, range 1-23) carried out for a mean of 7 weeks (5-12 weeks) a program of endurance exercise (walking, exercise bicycle) adapted to their individual capacities. Standardized gerontological evaluation was performed before and after the study.


RESULTS
No significant change in autonomy (ADL, IADL) was observed. There was an improvement in the MNA (p<0.001) and the MMS (p<0.001). Risk of falls (p<0.01) and behavioral problems (p<0.05) decreased. These results were obtained without increasing family workload.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that physical activity is a therapeutic option which can reduce nutritional and behavioral complications and risk of falls in subjects with AD.
Rolland
Y
Y
Service de &Mgrave;decine du Sport et d'Exploration Fonctionnelle Respiratoire, CHU Purpan, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France.
Rival
L
L
Pillard
F
F
Lafont
C
C
Rivére
D
D
Albaréde
J
J
Vellas
B
B
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003071:Cognition; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005610:Freedom; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D009752:Nutritional Status