Cognitive, functional and physical activity impairment in elderly with Alzheimer's disease

Author(s)

Renata Valle Pedroso ^[1] ; Danilla Icassatti Corazza ^[2] ; Carla Andreza de Almeida Andreatto ^[3] ; Thays Martins Vital da Silva ^[4] ; José Luiz Riani Costa ^[5] ; Ruth Ferreira Santos-Galduróz ^[6]

Affiliation

^[1] University State of São Paulo. Institute of Biosciences. Department of Physical Education - Brasil

^[2] State University of Ponta Grossa. Department of Physical Education - Brasil

^[3] University State of São Paulo. Institute of Biosciences. Department of Physical Education - Brasil

^[4] Instituto Federal Goiano - Brasil

^[5] University State of São Paulo. Institute of Biosciences. Department of Physical Education - Brasil

^[6] University State of São Paulo. Institute of Biosciences. Department of Physical Education - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Dement. Neuropsychol.; v. 12, n. 1, p. 28-34, 2018-03-00.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative disorder that negatively affects quality of life of patients and family members. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the cognition, level of physical activity and functioning of elderly individuals with mild AD and those without dementia. Methods: The study comprised 24 elderly with mild AD (mean age = 76.9 ± 5.3 years) and 30 elderly without dementia (mean age = 74.1 ± 5.6 years). The following instruments were applied to evaluate cognitive functions: MMSE; Frontal Assessment Battery; Clock Drawing Test; Corsi Blocks, and Verbal Paired Associates. Event-related potential P300 was used to evaluate cognitive processing. The Modified Baecke Questionnaire For Older Adults was applied to evaluate the level of physical activity together with use of a pedometer for 7 consecutive days. For the evaluation of the functioning, the Direct Assessment of Functional Status-Revised scale and functional tests were used. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in level of physical activity and functioning, except on the test evaluating flexibility. Conclusion: Elderly with AD had cognitive, functional and physical activity deficits which can manifest even in the early stages of the disease. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/03451-8 - Relationship between level of physical activity, cognition and motor function of the elderly in mild stage of Alzheimer's disease
• Grantee: Ruth Ferreira Santos-Galduroz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants