College - Author 1
College of Science and Mathematics
Department - Author 1
Kinesiology and Public Health Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Kinesiology
Date
3-2021
Primary Advisor
Darren Avrit, College of Science and Mathematics, Kinesiology and Public Health Department
Abstract/Summary
With the rapidly growing elderly population in the United States, the number of people diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is increasing dramatically. For these patients, it is crucial to slow the rate of progression. Research has proven that exercise improves cognition, and recent findings suggest a similar association among those with AD. However, this is complicated by the large majority of AD patients becoming non-ambulatory as the disease progresses. Thus, there is a large gap in the literature to meet the needs of non-ambulatory AD patients working to slow their disease’s progression. The first purpose of this article is to summarize the existing research that demonstrates the positive effects that exercise has on the elderly and patients with AD. The second purpose is to provide activities that can enhance the cognitive and physical function of AD patients with various ambulatory and cognitive status. Recommendations for further research into various programs’ physiologic effects on AD patients are offered, as well as some tools that may help with data collection.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/kinesp/15