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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias logoLink to American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias
. 2008 Aug-Sep;23(4):382–394. doi: 10.1177/1533317508317527

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

Sandy C Burgener 1, Yang Yang 2, Ruth Gilbert 3, Sara Marsh-Yant 4
PMCID: PMC3014218  NIHMSID: NIHMS255006  PMID: 18453642

Abstract

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.

Keywords: multimodal intervention, Taiji exercises, randomized design, cognition, balance

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Contributor Information

Sandy C. Burgener, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, University of Illinois College of Nursing, Urbana, sburgenr@uiuc.edu .

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

Ruth Gilbert, Center for Taiji Studies.

Sara Marsh-Yant, Sara Yant Consulting Services, Champaign, Illinois.

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