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Physical and cognitive stimulation in Alzheimer Disease. the GAIA Project: a pilot study

Authors

Maci, Tiziana, Pira, Francesco Le, Quattrocchi, Graziella, Nuovo, Santo Di, Perciavalle, Vincenzo, Zappia, Mario

Journal

American Journal Of Alzheimer's Disease And Other Dementias, Volume: 27, No.: 2, Pages.: 107-113

Year of Publication

2012

Abstract

Several data suggest that physical activity and cognitive stimulation have a positive effect on the quality of life (QoL) of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), slowing the decline due to the disease. A pilot project was undertaken to assess the effect of cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and socialization on patients with AD and their informal caregiver’s QoL and mood. Fourteen patients with AD were randomly divided into active treatment group and control group. At the end of treatment, a significant improvement in apathy, anxiety, depression, and QoL in the active treatment group was found. Considering caregivers, those of the active treatment group exhibited a significant improvement in their mood and in their perception of patients’ QoL. This study provides evidence that a combined approach based on cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and socialization is a feasible tool to improve mood and QoL in patients with AD and their caregivers.;

Bibtex Citation

@article{Maci_2012, doi = {10.1177/1533317512440493}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1533317512440493}, year = 2012, month = {mar}, publisher = {{SAGE} Publications}, volume = {27}, number = {2}, pages = {107--113}, author = {T. Maci and F. L. Pira and G. Quattrocchi and S. D. Nuovo and V. Perciavalle and M. Zappia}, title = {Physical and Cognitive Stimulation in Alzheimer Disease. The {GAIA} Project: A Pilot Study}, journal = {American Journal of Alzheimer{textquotesingle}s Disease and Other Dementias} }

Keywords

activities of daily living, aged, aged, 80 and over, alzheimer disease, caregivers, cognitive therapy, depression, female, humans, male, middle aged, physical stimulation, pilot projects, psychology, quality of life, rehabilitation

Countries of Study

Italy

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease

Types of Study

Non randomised controlled trial

Type of Outcomes

Behaviour, Carers’ Mental Health, Depression and Anxiety, Quality of Life of Carer, Quality of Life of Person With Dementia

Type of Interventions

Non-pharmacological Treatment

Risk Factor Modifications

At risk population

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Adult safeguarding and abuse detection/prevention, Exercise (inc. dancing), Social activities (e.g. lunch clubs, cinema outings, trips to sporting events etc, peer support)