Advanced technologies applied to physical exercise for dementia and Alzheimer's disease management: a narrative review

Abstract

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia is increasing along with overall life expectancy, which poses a serious challenge to healthcare systems in general. Non-pharmacological therapies, such as physical activity, have gained popularity due to their potential to improve cognitive and motor function, particularly as the prevalence of dementia is predicted to increase with overall life expectancy. This narrative review aims to describe the issues affecting individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease in practicing physical activity, with a focus on strategies for promoting the latter such as the use of supportive technologies. Specifically, the central part of the review describes all the scientific studies to date that use technologies to promote and perform exercise in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Our review describes that the technologies used to date are video sports games, virtual interfaces, inertial sensors, and virtual cycling experiences and these technologies have been demonstrated to have efficacy in balance, quality of life, physical performance, risk of falls, strength, and frailty assessment. However, there is little homogeneity in exercise protocols this suggests that technology can be a safe and effective tool for promoting an active lifestyle in patients with dementia, but further research is needed to maximize its usefulness and accessibility. Future studies could be devoted to investigating the specific characteristics in terms of frequency, intensity, time, and type that technology-assisted physical activity needs to have to be effective in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

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