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The more physical inactivity, the more agitation in dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2010

Erik J.A. Scherder ,
Thorsten Bogen ,
Laura H.P. Eggermont ,
Jan P.H. Hamers  and
Dick F. Swaab
Erik J.A. Scherder*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Thorsten Bogen
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Laura H.P. Eggermont
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jan P.H. Hamers
Affiliation:
Maastricht University, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Department of Health Care and Nursing Science, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Dick F. Swaab
Affiliation:
Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Professor Erik J.A. Scherder, PhD, Head of the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, VU University, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Phone: +31-20-5988761; Fax: +31-20-5988971. Email: eja.scherder@psy.vu.nl.
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Abstract

Epidemiological studies show a close relationship between physical activity and cognition. A causal relationship between physical activity and cognition has been observed in children, adolescents, older people without dementia, and in older people in a very early stage of dementia. Considering these positive effects, we argue that a decline in physical activity has a detrimental effect on cognition and behavior in patients with dementia. Merely living in a nursing home reduces the level of physical activity. The level of physical activity may even be reduced to a minimum when physical restraints are applied. The use of physical restraints coincides with stress, further aggravating the already existing neuropathology, which may increase stress and agitation even more. Exercise may reduce stress and agitation.

Keywords

physical activityagitationdementiacognitionbehaviorstress
Type
Focus on prevention in psychogeriatrics
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 22 , Special Issue 8: Focus on prevention in psychogeriatrics , December 2010 , pp. 1203 - 1208
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2010

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