Journal
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE AND OTHER DEMENTIAS
Volume 23, Issue 4, Pages 382-394Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/1533317508317527
Keywords
multimodal intervention; Taiji exercises; randomized design; cognition; balance
Categories
Funding
- Midwest Roybal Center for Aging
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Center for Reducing Risks in Vulnerable Populations
- Internal Research Support Grant
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Theories supporting the existence of a use-dependent neuroplasticity in the older brain were used to guide this pilot study. A repeated-measures randomized design was used to test the effectiveness of a multimodal (Taiji exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapies, support group) intervention on cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and behavioral outcomes in persons with dementia. The treatment group (n = 24 persons with dementia) participated in a 40-week intervention, with outcomes assessed at 20 and 40 weeks to assess optimal treatment length. Control group subjects (n = 19 persons with dementia) received attention-control educational programs. At 20 weeks, differences between groups were found for mental ability and self-esteem, with gains in balance being evident. Also, stability in depression and physical health were evident at 20 and 40 weeks for treatment group subjects. Continued improvement in outcomes was not observed at 40 weeks. However, findings support further testing of the intervention along with potential for achieving positive outcomes in early-stage dementia.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available