[Concentration enhancement for retaining daily living competence in dementia].

BACKGROUND: Dementia is characterized by reduced memory and concentration abilities leading to a decrease in activities of daily living. Various studies have shown that various forms of physical exercise have a positive therapeutic effect at an early stage of dementia.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study the effects of an exercise-based Brain-Gym concept on the concentration and routine daily competences were evaluated in dementia patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: During a 4-month intervention period specially trained nursing staff and healthcare students put this exercise program into practice. Using an intervention and control group design, the concentration abilities of the dementia patients were tested on a monthly base. Additionally, the routine daily competence of the patients was evaluated by the nursing staff.

RESULTS: Even though no significant differences could be detected, the intervention group achieved higher scores in concentration abilities than the control group on all four testing dates. Furthermore, the routine daily competence was improved in the intervention group throughout the intervention period.

CONCLUSION: This concept can be used for dementia patients. Due to the low requirements concerning coordination and condition Brain-Gym is suitable for the target group and can easily be implemented by caregivers; however, significant evidence of positive impacts on concentration and everyday life competence could not yet be found in this study.