Physical Activity in Severe Dementia Is Associated With Agitation Rather Than Cognitive Function

Physical Activity in Severe Dementia Is Associated With Agitation Rather Than Cognitive Function, American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease &Other Dementias®, Ahead of Print. Background:The authors examined associations between physical activity, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and behavioral and psychological dementia symptoms (BPSD) in severe and moderate dementia., American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease &Other Dementias®, Ahead of Print.
Background:The authors examined associations between physical activity, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and behavioral and psychological dementia symptoms (BPSD) in severe and moderate dementia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess severe and moderate dementia groups according to the Clinical Dementia Rating. An actigraphy measured physical activity. Other measures included Mini-Mental State Examination, Cognitive Test for Severe Dementia, Hyogo Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home.Results:Sixty-three participants were assessed (mean age = 89.3 ± 6.4). Physical activity was not associated with cognitive function among participants with severe dementia, although there was a trend-level association with cognitive function among those with moderate dementia. Physical activity was significantly associated with BPSD, specifically agitation/aggression symptoms, for participants with severe dementia, and there was a trend-level association with anxiety for participants with moderate dementia.Conclusions:Physical activity appears to be associated with BPSD among individuals in the advanced stages of dementia., admin,