Research Article
Nicole C.L. Hess, Gudrun Diebe
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to examine the benefits of exercise on the neurocognitive performance of individuals with dementia. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1966–2014) using the concepts of dementia, cognitive impairment, cognitive function, and exercise. Results: Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included, providing data from 1056 individuals. We found that exercise provided significant improvements in the following assessments: mini mental state examination, mean difference (MD) 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–1.59, P < 0.00001); Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale, MD −1.41 (95% CI −2.48–−0.34, P = 0.01); Clinical Dementia Rating scale, MD −0.37 (95% CI −0.57–−0.16, P = 0.0004); similarities subscale of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised, MD 2.21 (95% CI 0.75–3.67, P = 0.003); arithmetic subscale of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised, MD 1.11 (95% CI 0.03–2.20, P = 0.04); Amsterdam Dementia Screening Test 6 picture recognition, MD −2.30 (95% CI −3.59– −1.01, P = 0.0005); and clock drawing test, MD 0.75 (95% CI 0.45–1.05, P < 0.00001). Conclusions: Physical activity may improve neurocognitive function in people with cognitive impairments.