THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, COGNITIVE FUNCTION, AND PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common disease among the elderly. Physical activity may be beneficial for people with AD as it may slow the rate of decline in cognitive and motor abilities. This retrospective correlational study explored the association between physical activity, cognitive function, and performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) in early-stage AD. The sample consisted of 112 participants divided on 2 groups; AD and non-demented controls. Results showed that the AD group exhibited significant declines in cognition, function, and practice of physical activity over a period of 2 years compared to the control group (p<.002). Less practice of household activities and physical leisure activities was significantly associated with decline in the performance of ADLs (p <.05) in people with AD. Additionally, cognitive function significantly predicted functional decline (p<.001) in AD. In conclusion, physical activity may be an important part of maintaining independence in people with early AD.