Reeducación psicomotriz en personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer / Impact of a psychomotor re-education guide on the quality of life of patients with Alzheimer's disease

ABSTRACT

Background: We developed a psychomotor re-education guide (PSEG) adapted to people with Alzheimer disease (AD), including a cognitive stimulation program integrated with the exercise recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. Aim: To evaluate the effect of the PSEG on cognitive and functional parameters among patients with AD. Patients and Methods: We applied the PSEG to 64 participants with AD aged 64 to 87 years (55% women) during 12 months. At baseline and the end of the intervention, cognitive abilities (Mini Mental State), fitness (Chair Stand test), level of independence (Barthel Index) and quality of life (QoL) (SF-12) were assessed. Results: The application of PSEG resulted in a significant improvement in the QoL and physical capacity of patients with AD. Cognitive ability declined along with disease progression. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the guide in mild and moderate stages of AD improving the physical fitness and the QoL.