The Effect Of Exercise On The Cognitive Function Of...

The effect of exercise therapy on the cognitive function of Alzheimer s patients The aim of this paper is to analyse two trials that investigated whether physical exercise could be used to improve cognitive function in female Alzheimer s sufferers by evaluating the effect of aerobic exercise in the treatment of cognitive decline in female Alzheimer s patients. Papers appraised in this synopsis: Carla M.C. Nasimento, Camila V. L. Teixeira, Lilian T. B. Gobbi, Sebastiao Gobbi, (2012). A controlled clinical trail on the effects of exercise on neuropsychiatric disorders and instrumental activities in women with Alzheimer s disease. Brazilian Journal Physical Therapy vol.16, n.3, p.197-204, 2012. The aim of the study was to determine†¦show more content†¦Members of the population were divided into two groups. The active and control group comprised of ten women each. The control group was sedentary whilst the experimental group took part in an exercise program for a six month period. The Mini Mental State Examination was utilised to screen participant’s cognitive function at base line and at the end of the study. A neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire was completed by each subject’s carer throughout the study to evaluate neuropsychiatric disturbances and changes in behavior such as depression and agitation. High scores indicated significant neuropsychiatric disorders. The Pfeffer functional activities questionnaire was also employed to assess participant’s ability to carry out daily activities and establish functional impairment in the participants of the trial. The Pfeffer assessment is used by physicians to diagnose dementia and is therefore is a reliable maker for improvement of functional impairment. The trial results are in line with the author’s hypothesis. The experimental group who completed six month exercise regime showed a significant reduction in neuropsychiatric disturbances. Whilst in the control group showed functional and neuropsychiatric deterioration and these disturbances marginally increased. It is interesting that the rationale of the study was to improve independence in daily activities of Alzheimer suffers and by doing so decreasing Alzheimer’s patients reliance on