Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance of Patients With Alzheimer-type Dementia. Pilot Study.

Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance of Patients With Alzheimer-type Dementia. Pilot Study.

A program that combines high intensity aerobic exercise (<85% of Heart Rate Reserve) with resistance, progressive and moderate intensity intervals, carried out in primary care, is effective in terms of a smaller increase in respect to the baseline measurement in the total score of the ADAS cognitive section (Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive section),in the control group that receives an intervention similar to low intensity (30-40% of Heart rate reserve).

We Expect a difference of at least 3 points between the means of the increments between the intervention and control group.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an intervention that combines high intensity aerobic exercise with strength (AAAD) on general cognitive performance of patients affected by mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial in two parallel groups: SCOPE: 2 health center of Basque Health Service , in coordination with its reference neurology services. PARTICIPANTS: 80 patients with mild AD.

INTERVENTION: Both groups receiving standard drug treatment. The intervention group also receive a supervised EEAA program, while the control group receive a similar intervention at low intensity. Patients are followed up over 1 year. Three blind measurements are made repeatedly : baseline, at 6 and 12 months. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure is change in cognitive performance that is measured in a blinded way with the cognitive section of the ADAS scale (Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale) at 0, 6 and 12.Secondary Outcomes: Global cognitive performance (Neuropsychological battery TBR-B),neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI), ADL (Blessed),functional capacity (Test of 6-minute walk), cardiorespiratory Test, muscular strength (hand dynamometer and trunk); PREDICTORS AND CONFOUNDING VARIABLES: baseline cognitive performance, previous physical activity, medication, age, sex, APOE, schooling and cognitive reserve. ANALYSIS: We compared the two groups in terms of observed mean changes from baseline in ADAS measurement and other variables, intention to treat, using longitudinal mixed effects models for repeated measures at 6 and 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria: Subjects aged between 55 and 85 who meet, at the time of entry into the study, clinical criteria compatible with probable AD according to the criteria of the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association, under mild or DCL-Alzheimers (Folstein MMSE> 19/20, GDS 3-4), diagnosis will be performed by specialist neurologists according to standard practice. Patients should be able to perform physical activity on a cycle ergometer or treadmill and also must exist a caregiver who agrees to accompany him to the physical exercise sessions.

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Exclusion Criteria: Central nervous system disease history with the possibility of neuropsychological impairment (stroke, epilepsy, meningitis, severe head trauma). History of alcohol and drug abuse. Hachinski Ischemic Scale ≥ 7. Major depression diagnosed(CIE-10). History of severe psychiatric disease. Predictable changes in medication that may affect cognitive performance. Visual or auditory perceptual disorders that limit neuropsychological assessment. Unstable heart disease, severe behavioral problems that make impossible the intervention, or any condition judged by the investigator that advises against the intervention. -