Effects of an Exercise Program for Nursing Home Patients With Dementia

Effects of an Exercise Program for Nursing Home Patients With Dementia - a Six Months Assessor Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of an exercise program on nursing home patients with dementia.

The intervention group will be exercising one hour twice a week for 12 weeks. The participants will be doing intensive strength exercises and challenging balance exercises in groups of 4-6. Two physical therapists will be leading the intervention group. The control group will be meeting at the same frequency. Groups of 4-6 will be lead by an occupational therapist. The participants will be doing relaxation exercises, listen to music and social activities such as board games or indoor bowling.

The investigators will carry out three test periods:

• Baseline testing before intervention start
• Post test after 12 weeks of intervention
• Follow-up 12 weeks after post test.

The testing will comprise:

• Physical tests carried out by physiotherapists
• Questionnaires concerning mental health and ADL (activities of daily living)
• Cognition tests
• Cortisol in saliva

Inclusion Criteria:

• >55 years old
• Living in nursing home
• Able to stand with help from max 1
• Able to walk 6 meters with or without walking aid

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medically unstable
• Longterm psychotic
• Severe communication problems