Physical activity for people with Alzheimer's disease: Are we doing enough?: Epidemiology / Risk and protective factors in MCI and dementia. (7th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feter, Natan; Cassuriaga, Júlia; Leite, Jayne S; Rombaldi, Airton
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 16(2020)Supplement 10
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-12-07
• Subjects: Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.041415
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Background: National Alzheimer disease (AD) associations are the primary resource of information for AD patients and their caregivers. Physical activity (PA) (i.e. walking) improve quality of life and functional capacity, and preserve cognitive function in patients with AD. We aimed to verify if national AD associations and dementia control plans worldwide recommend PA for this population. Method: We search for PA mention and recommendation on national dementia control plan in each country in the world. Further, we contacted national Alzheimer's associations worldwide to verify if it had any mention or recommendation of PA for people with AD Result: From 224 countries and territories analyzed, 123 had either a national AD association or a national dementia control plan. The sample was compound by 112 countries (loss/refuses: 8.9%). About 50% mentioned PA as a protective factor against AD. Only 19% provided some type of recommendation (i.e. frequency, type, time, intensity) of PA for people with AD. However, all those countries were classified as upper‐middle or high income countries. Conclusion: Dissemination of benefit from PA for people with AD should be encouraged especially in low and lower‐middle income.