Preventing Loss of Independence Through Exercise (PLIÉ) - Pilot

Maintaining Independence in Alzheimer's Disease

The primary goal of this study is to perform a 36-week pilot study with a cross-over design to study the safety and efficacy of a novel integrative exercise program called PLIÉ (Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise). PLIÉ integrates elements of Eastern and Western exercise traditions and is specifically designed to target the muscles and movements needed to help individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia maintain physical function and independence.

Inclusion Criteria - Primary Participant:

• Current participant in the Irene Swindells Center for Adult Day Services in San Francisco, CA
• Recommended by Swindells staff
• mild-to-moderate dementia
• caregiver consent

Inclusion Criteria - Caregiver:

• Provide care to primary participant in the Irene Swindells Center for Adult Day Services in San Francisco, CA
• can provide information about the primary participant's physical functioning, behaviors, falls, quality of life and own level of stress.

Exclusion Criteria - Primary Participant:

• major current psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
• life expectancy < 1 year (e.g., metastatic cancer)
• inability to assent to study procedures

Exclusion Criteria - Caregiver:

• Any major neurologic disease (e.g., dementia, stroke, Parkinson's disease, ALS)
• major current psychiatric illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
• life expectancy < 1 year (e.g., metastatic cancer)
• evidence of cognitive impairment
• inability to consent to study procedures.