Walking Regularly Improves Health in Older People with Dementia
Author Information
Author(s): Volkers Karin M, Scherder Erik JA
Primary Institution: VU University Amsterdam
Hypothesis
Does regular walking improve various health aspects in older people with dementia?
Conclusion
Regular walking can positively affect physical functioning, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, quality of life, activities of daily living, and pain in older people with dementia.
Supporting Evidence
- Physical activity has been shown to improve various health aspects in older adults.
- Regular walking can help maintain cognitive function in older people with dementia.
- Physical activity interventions can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Takeaway
Walking every day can help older people with dementia feel better and do more things on their own.
Methodology
This is a longitudinal randomized controlled trial with participants randomly assigned to either a walking group or a control group.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias from only including willing institutions.
Limitations
Selection bias due to only active institutions participating, high drop-out rates, and not all participants may understand or perform all tests.
Participant Demographics
Older ambulatory individuals with dementia living in care facilities in the Netherlands.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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