The association of physical activity and behavioral and psychological symptoms among a sample of hospitalized older adults living with dementia. (9th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Drazich, Brittany F.; Boltz, Marie; Kuzmik, Ashley; Galik, Elizabeth; Kim, Nayeon; McPherson, Rachel; Holmes, Sarah; Resnick, Barbara
• Is Part Of: International journal of geriatric psychiatry. Volume 38:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-02-09
• Subjects: behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia -- cognitive impairment -- dementia -- neuropsychiatric symptoms -- physical activity; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Geriatric Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.5885
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6230

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in hospitalized older adults living with dementia and (2) examine the association of physical activity and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia among hospitalized older adults living with dementia, after controlling for covariates. Methods: Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Survey and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regressions were run using baseline data on 294 older adults with dementia hospitalized on general medical units from an ongoing study entitled Function Focused Care for Acute Care Using the Evidence Integration Triangle. Results: Participants performed an average of 7.92 (SD = 4.49) of 34 possible activities "in the last 24 h" prior to the Physical Activity Survey administration. A total of 132 participants (45.5%) had at least one behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia. We found that physical activity was not associated with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (b = 0.01; p = 0.56), after controlling for covariates. Conclusions: Although this study found no evidence of an association between physical activity and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, evidence of physical activity did not exacerbate these behaviors. Thus, given the benefits of physical activity, it is important to continue to encourage patients living with dementia to engage in activity. Key Points: Older adults with dementia spend little time engaged in activity when hospitalized. At the beginning of their hospitalization, nearly half of older adults with dementia had at least one behavioral or psychological symptom of dementia. Physical activity was not associated with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia among older adults with dementia in the hospital. Given the benefits of physical activity, it is important to continue to encourage patients living with dementia to engage in activity when hospitalized.