Physical exercise for individuals with dementia: potential benefits perceived by formal caregivers

Abstract Background The social and economic impact of dementia for the development accessible sustainable care individuals with (IwD). Physical exercise has been seen as a beneficial non-pharmacological therapy in prevention management dementia, possible benefits may not only on participants, but also indirectly their caregivers. Thus, this quasi-experimental non-randomized study aimed to analyze effects an intervention functional capacity, behavioural psychological symptoms (BPSD) quality life institutionalized older adults perceived by formal Methods Sixty-four (from both genders, aged 65–93 yrs. old), clinically diagnosed were divided into two groups: control group (CG, continued usual care, n = 26) (EG, 6-month supervised multicomponent intervention, 38). Nine caregivers (female, 28–47 old) from nine different nursing homes, reported about distress related BPSD proxy-reported participants’ capacity (Katz index), (QoL-AD), (NPI) before after 6 months (aerobic, muscular resistance, flexibility postural exercises). Results A two-way ANOVA, repeated measures, revealed significant time interactions Total Katz index QoL-AD. CG’s performance score worsen over while EG maintains these values intervention. Moreover, caregiver’s triggered apathy disinhibition increased CG no alterations regarding causes EG. No main observed total NPI or distress. Conclusions Overall results show that IwD EG, was capable preserving neuropsychiatric attenuate, contributing lower load Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov , NCT04095962 . Retrospectively registered 19 September 2019