Abstract

Background: Dementia and dementia-related Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are neurological conditions associated with decline in memory, daily functioning, and quality of life. It is a challenge to slow and treat. Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized by deposition of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein with the primary risk factor being genetic predisposition. However, modifiable lifestyle factors can be associated with changes in risk. The relationship between exercise and quality of life in patients with dementia and dementia-related AD has the potential for further exploration.  

Objective: The objective of this study is to map out the existing literature on different exercise modalities that may be beneficial for people with dementia and dementia-related AD.  

Methods: This study was designed as a scoping review following PRISMA guidelines with the following inclusion criteria: 1) studies must have been in English 2) studies published in the 2000s-present 3) patients had been diagnosed with dementia and dementia-related AD, 4) included quality of life measurements, and 5) studies conducted in North America. Articles were found using a variety of databases and journals such as PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, while using boolean search operators “dementia” OR “alzheimer’s” AND “quality of life” OR “exercise” OR “aerobics” OR “walking” OR “yoga” OR “locomotion” or “movement” leading to an initial 54 articles screened. After a two-tier rigorous review and quality assessment using the JBI checklist, nine articles were selected.  

Results: Findings from this review indicated that there were statistically significant improvements in cognitive function as well as increased gait speed in patients with dementia and dementia-related AD when exercise was introduced. Yoga was shown to have significant improvement in activities of daily living; however, there were no significant changes in cognition, anxiety, or balance. Aerobic exercise interventions were shown to have improvements in depression, along with improved functional ability, memory, and less hippocampal atrophy. Additionally, taking part in a resistance-based strength training program showed overall improvements in muscle strength and functional performance in those with mild to moderate dementia.   

Conclusion: The results of this scoping review suggest that different exercise interventions can be potentially beneficial as an adjunct to medical treatments for dementia and dementia-related AD. Overall, there were improvements and positive effects of strength training, yoga, and aerobic exercise in quality-of-life measurements. This scoping review suggests and reaffirms the need for further research and exploration into these relationships.