A program of exercise, brain training, and lecture to prevent cognitive decline
Minoru Kouzuki, Toshiaki Kato, Kenji Wada‐Isoe, Shinya Takeda, Atsuhito Tamura, Yuichi Takanashi, Shintaro Azumi, Yoshinori Kojima, Chikako Maruyama, Maki Hayashi, Michimi Itou, Katsuya Urakami
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We examined the benefits of a community-based program combining physical exercise, cognitive training, and education on dementia and lifestyle habits. METHODS: This crossover open-label trial included 141 community-dwelling elderly people with suspected mild cognitive decline (MCD). Subjects were assigned to a 6-month intervention-first/6-month observation-second (INT-OBS) group or an OBS-INT group. The 6-month intervention consisted of 2 h of physical exercise, cognitive training, and classroom study or rest once weekly. Primary outcome was change in Touch Panel-type Dementia Assessment Scale (TDAS) score. RESULTS: TDAS score improved significantly during the intervention period compared with the observation period for all subjects (P < 0.05). Some physical functions also improved significantly during the intervention period compared with the observation period in the OBS-INT group (P < 0.05). INTERPRETATION: This community-based program improved both cognitive and physical function in elderly people with suspected MCD.