Regular physical exercise is associated with the improvement of mood and cognitive function, and may contribute to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, exercise has a questionable effect when Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a cardiovascular disease. A 65 years-old female patient, diagnosed with mixed dementia, was accompanied for eight months. In the first four months, the patient has been submitted only to the normal medical routine (involving medication), and has been engaged in a regular exercise program for the subsequent four months. During medication period in the first four months, the patient has presented cognitive decline and reduced functional capacity. After the four-month exercise program, improved results could be observed in all aspects evaluated in the study.
SOURCE: Arcoverde C, Deslandes A, Araujo N y Laks K. [Psicogeriatría 2011]
