Background: We present the design and implementation of a
rehabilitation program (RP) adapted for people diagnosed with
various phases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The RP is a cognitive
stimulation program that integrates the recommendations
of the American College of Sports Medicine for aerobic, resistance,
and balance exercises.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the
RP on the physical and functional capacities, cognitive functions,
and quality of life (QOL) of patients with AD.
Methods: We enrolled 64 participants with AD for an RP intervention
lasting 12 months. The research used a quasiexperimental
approach. Assessed variables included cognitive ability
(Mini-Mental State Examination), fitness (Chair Stand Test), level
of independence (Barthel Index), and QOL (the 12-item Short
Form Health Survey). Statistical analyses used the Student’s
t test, MannYWhitney U test, and the chi-squared test. The
statistical significance level was set at 5%.
Results: The results indicate the effectiveness of the RP in
improving the physical fitness and the QOL of participants with
mild- to moderate-phase AD.
Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The RP has a positive
effect on patients with mild- to moderate-phase AD. However,
we identified no effect for the RP on cognitive ability. These
findings provide empirical evidence to support the use of RP as
an effective complementary therapy. Improving the physical capacity
and the QOL may have important long-term benefits for
the older adults and their caregivers. The results of this study
should be helpful to decision makers and geriatric health centers
in planning and implementing RPs for elderly people with AD.