Can leisure activities slow dementia progression in nursing home residents? A cluster-randomized controlled trial. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, Sheung-Tak; Chow, Pizza K.; Song, You-Qiang; Yu, Edwin C. S.; Lam, John H. M.
• Is Part Of: International psychogeriatrics. Volume 26:Number 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 637
• Page End: 643
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.9768905
• DOI: 10.1017/S1041610213002524
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-6102

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec> <title>Background:</title> <p>To examine the effects of complex cognitive (mahjong) and physical (Tai Chi) activities on dementia severity in nursing home residents with dementia.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Methods:</title> <p>Cluster-randomized open-label controlled design. 110 residents were randomized by nursing home into three conditions: mahjong, Tai Chi, and simple handicrafts (control). Activities were conducted three times a week for 12 weeks. Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) was taken at 0 (baseline), 3 (post-treatment), 6, and 9 months. The outcome measure was CDR sum-of-box, which is a composite measure of both cognitive and functional deterioration in dementia.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results:</title> <p>Intent-to-treat analyses were performed using multilevel regression models. Apolipoprotein E ε4 allele and education were included as covariates. Neither treatments had effects on the cognitive and functional components of the CDR, but mahjong had a significant interaction with time on the CDR sum-of-box total, suggesting a slower rate of global deterioration in the mahjong group as compared with the control group.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions:</title> <p>Mahjong led to a gradual improvement in global functioning and a slightly slower rate of dementia progression over time. The effect was generalized and was not specific to cognition or daily functioning.</p> </sec> </abstract>