Month: June 2017

This paper reports the qualitative component of a randomized controlled trial which evaluated the impact and feasibility of a physical exercise intervention on individuals living with dementia in nursing homes. Interviews were conducted with 10 staff and nine family carers about their views and opinions of physical exercise (n=19). Thematic content analysis revealed both benefits and barriers to physical exercise for individuals living with dementia in nursing homes.

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Background:: Pilot work by our group has demonstrated that aquatic exercise has valuable functional and psychosocial benefits for adults living in the residential aged care setting with dementia. The aim of the currents study was to advance this work by delivering the Watermemories Swimming Club aquatic exercise program to a more representative population of older, institutionalized adults with dementia.

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Although Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative pathology characterized by accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles at cerebral level, recent studies highlighted that AD might be the result of many altered physiological processes occurring at whole-organism level. The ability to adapt to stressors by “bending” but not “breaking” can be considered as “resilience”. This review explores what resilience means in the AD milieu and the physiological mechanisms by which physical activity may mediate positive adaptative processes that enhance resilience.

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Objectives: These 2 studies assessed a technology-aided program to support mild physical exercise or simple occupational activity in participants with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Study 1 included 11 participants who were to perform a leg-raising response. Study 2 included 10 participants who were to sort objects into different containers. The program ensured that they received positive stimulation contingent on the responses and reminders/prompts after periods of nonresponding. Each study was carried out according to a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across participants.

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Touchscreen devices (e.g. tablets) can be supportive for people with mild dementia. This study identified user requirements for the development of a tool for selecting usable apps in the domains of self-management and meaningful activities. Eight focus groups with people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia and informal carers were conducted using an exploratory study design. In study one, we identified meaningful activities and self-management support. In study two, we explored needs, wishes and abilities regarding the use of apps. The outcomes were analysed using inductive content analysis based on grounded theory.

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Engagement in meaningful activities is associated with positive outcomes for persons with dementia, yet studies demonstrating quantitative evidence for which activities can be considered meaningful are lacking.

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