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The Effects of a Multimodal Intervention on Outcomes of Persons With Early-Stage Dementia

Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, University of Illinois College of Nursing, Urbana, sburgenr{at}uiuc.edu

Yang Yang, PhD

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana, Center for Taiji Studies

Ruth Gilbert, MA

Center for Taiji Studies

Sara Marsh-Yant, MSW

Sara Yant Consulting Services, Champaign, Illinois

Theories supporting the existence of a use-dependent neuroplasticity in the older brain were used to guide this pilot study. A repeated-measures randomized design was used to test the effectiveness of a multimodal (Taiji exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapies, support group) intervention on cognitive functioning, physical functioning, and behavioral outcomes in persons with dementia. The treatment group (n = 24 persons with dementia) participated in a 40-week intervention, with outcomes assessed at 20 and 40 weeks to assess optimal treatment length. Control group subjects (n = 19 persons with dementia) received attention-control educational programs. At 20 weeks, differences between groups were found for mental ability and self-esteem, with gains in balance being evident. Also, stability in depression and physical health were evident at 20 and 40 weeks for treatment group subjects. Continued improvement in outcomes was not observed at 40 weeks. However, findings support further testing of the intervention along with potential for achieving positive outcomes in early-stage dementia.

Key Words: multimodal intervention • Taiji exercises • randomized design • cognition • balance

This version was published on August 1, 2008

American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias®, Vol. 23, No. 4, 382-394 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1533317508317527


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