In 2011, a pilot study conducted by researchers have found that non-aerobic movement-based activities can significantly improve certain cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer’s type dementia (AD). Conducted by Lidia Yágüez, Kendra N. Shaw, Robin Morris, and David Matthews, the study aimed to explore the effects of movement-based exercises on cognition in individuals diagnosed with AD.

The study involved 27 patients who met the ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for AD. These patients were randomly divided into two groups: an Exercise Group and a Control Group. The Exercise Group, consisting of 15 participants with an average age of 70.5 years, underwent six weeks of movement training. The Control Group, comprising 12 patients with an average age of 75.7 years, received standard care as a control intervention.

Cognitive functions were assessed using six computerized tests from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) both before and after the training period. The data were analyzed using t-tests, and the false discovery rate (FDR) for multiple comparisons along with Cohen’s d effect size was applied to evaluate the significance of the effects.

The results were promising. Patients in the Exercise Group showed significant improvements in sustained attention and visual memory, with a notable trend towards improvement in working memory compared to the Control Group. Interestingly, while the Control Group experienced a significant decline in attention over the six-week period, those in the Exercise Group exhibited slight improvements.

The findings suggest that even a short course of non-aerobic movement-based exercise can positively impact certain aspects of cognitive function in patients with AD. Although the study was a preliminary one with small sample sizes, the results indicate the potential for further research and development of non-aerobic movement programs tailored for Alzheimer’s patients.

The study highlights the importance of exploring alternative and adjunct therapies for cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope for improved quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.

Reference: Yágüez, L., Shaw, K. N., Morris, R., & Matthews, D. (2011). The effects on cognitive functions of a movement‐based intervention in patients with Alzheimer’s type dementia: a pilot study. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 26(2), 173-181.