Physical activity and behavior in the elderly: a pilot study.
Although exercise is usually promoted for weight loss and better heart health, there is growing evidence that regular physical activity helps people preserve their mental ability. We describe the results of a pilot longitudinal study addressing the impact of a moderate intensity exercise program on behavioral problems of frail, elderly, demented patients living in nursing home. Overall, patients in the treatment group (combination of aerobic/endurance activities, strength training, balance, and flexibility training) showed a statistically significant reduction in the behavioral problems, such as wandering, physical and verbal abuse, and in the sleep disorders. As a consequence, a significant reduction in the use of antipsychotic and hypnotic medications was observed in subjects of the treated group. In conclusion, our preliminary results suggest that engaging in regular physical activity,among other health benefits, may delay or prevent the onset of behavior problems in demented frail elderly people living in nursing home.
Landi
F
F
Department of Gerontology-Geriatrics and Physiatry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo Agostino Gemelli, 8. I-00168 Rome, Italy. francesco_landi@rm.unicatt.it
Russo
A
A
Bernabei
R
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D015588:Observer Variation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires