J Korean Phys Ther.  2021 Jun;33(3):136-141. 10.18857/jkpt.2021.33.3.136.

Dual-Task Training Effect on Cognitive and Body Function, β-amyloid Levels in Alzheimer’s Dementia Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Nam SM
• Kim Sg

• KMID: 2519970
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2021.33.3.136

Abstract

Purpose
Dementia is a disease in which cognitive function declines, leading to deterioration of body functions and activities of daily living. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of dual-task training, including cognitive tasks, on cognitive and body function and β-amyloid levels in Alzheimer’s dementia patients.
Methods
34 inpatients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia at a nursing hospital located in South Korea. The patients were randomly divided into a dual-task group (n=16) and a single-task group (n=18). Each group was trained for 30 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. The MMSE-K was used to measure the patients’ cognitive function. To assess the patients’ static balance ability, their LOS was measured using BioRescue. while dynamic balance was measured using the BBS. The 10MWT were conducted to evaluate the patients’ walking ability. Blood analysis was performed to measure levels of β-amyloid.
Results
Both groups exhibited statistically significant improvements in gait function after the training (p<0.05). The dual-task group exhibited statistically significant differences in cognitive function, static and dynamic balance function, and β-amyloid levels after training (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed between the two groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Dual-task training were found to be effective in improving cognitive and bodily functioning and reducing β-amyloid levels in Alzheimer’s dementia patients. Thus, this may be suggested as an effective exercise method for the treatment and early prevention of Alzheimer’s dementia.

Keyword

Alzheimer’s disease; Task performance; Cognition; Human activities; Amyloid beta protein; Dementia