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The effectiveness of physical exercise interventions in the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia patients: a systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2021

Komanthi Kouloutbani ,
Fotini Venetsanou ,
Alexandra Markati ,
Konstantinos E. Karteroliotis  and
Antonios Politis
Komanthi Kouloutbani
Affiliation:
School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dafni, Greece
Fotini Venetsanou
Affiliation:
School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dafni, Greece
Alexandra Markati
Affiliation:
School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dafni, Greece
Konstantinos E. Karteroliotis
Affiliation:
School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dafni, Greece
Antonios Politis*
Affiliation:
Professor, First Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Antonios Politis, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 74 Vas. Sofias Ave., 11528Athens, Greece. Phone: +302107289408-272; Fax: +302107242020. E-mail: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

The management of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with dementia is a major challenge. Since no effective therapy has been found to date and drug treatments are associatedwith significant side effects, there seems to be a pressing need for alternative non-pharmacological interventions.

Objectives:

The current study aims to investigate and compare the effect of different types of physical exercise on the NPS.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Five databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, SPORT Discus, Web of science and ScienceDirect) were searched using the appropriate algorithm. What was sought out was randomized control trials (RCTs) that applied physical activity interventions with specific characteristics (type, frequency, intensity, and duration) in patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, studied the effect of exercise on their NPS and compared this effect with a control group that did not follow an exercise program.

Results:

From 512 articles, 13 studies were included in this review, involving a total of 1,925 patients. The results were analyzed and synthesized according to the type of exercise applied – aerobic exercise, multidimensional interventions and muscular strength training programs. In particular, the results showed that repetitive aerobic exercise three to five times a week had a positive effect on NPS, whereas multidimensional interventions combining different types of exercise did not appear to be as effective. Strength training programs have been found to significantly reduce depression symptoms and behavioral problems in demented patients with mobility problems.

Conclusions:

There is clear evidence that physical activity and especially aerobic exercise may be effective in the management of NPS. However, it is necessary to apply specific practical recommendations and specially designed programs to incorporate physical exercise into the daily routine of these patients.

Keywords

physical activitydementiaAlzheimer’s diseaseneuropsychiatric symptomsmild cognitive impairmentpsychosocial interventions
Type
Review Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 34 , Issue 2: Issue Theme: Technology, Virtual Reality, and Other Promising Interventions for Older Adults , February 2022 , pp. 177 - 190
Copyright
© International Psychogeriatric Association 2021

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