Promoting physical activity in a primary care practice in people living with dementia and their family caregivers datos1

Abstract

[EN]More than two-thirds of people with dementia continue to live at home, which has a significant impact on their families and worsens the quality of life of both people with dementia and their family caregivers. It also places an increasing burden on primary care physicians caring for people with dementia. People with dementia and family caregivers have a less active lifestyle than people without health problems and are especially vulnerable to developing depression. It has been shown that physical activity can be effective not only as a therapy in situations of anxiety and depression but also as a primary prevention tool. It is also a highly protective factor for cognitive function in the elderly population. This study analyzed the results of an intervention model conducted in primary care with inactive men and women of all ages and found that inactive patients who increased their physical activity even to a minimal level, below the minimum recommendations, significantly reduced mortality. The effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity in this group of people with dementia and their caregivers has not achieved positive results overall but may provide suggestions for the role of family physicians, physical therapists, and mHealth in improving physical activity among people with dementia and their families.More than two-thirds of people with dementia continue to live at home, which has a significant impact on their families and worsens the quality of life of both people with dementia and their family caregivers. It also places an increasing burden on primary care physicians caring for people with dementia. People with dementia and family caregivers have a less active lifestyle than people without health problems and are especially vulnerable to developing depression. It has been shown that physical activity can be effective not only as a therapy in situations of anxiety and depression but also as a primary prevention tool. It is also a highly protective factor for cognitive function in the elderly population. This study analyzed the results of an intervention model conducted in primary care with inactive men and women of all ages and found that inactive patients who increased their physical activity even to a minimal level, below the minimum recommendations, significantly reduced mortality. The effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity in this group of people with dementia and their caregivers has not achieved positive results overall but may provide suggestions for the role of family physicians, physical therapists, and mHealth in improving physical activity among people with dementia and their families.