Study suggests behaviour and mental exercise regime postpones progression of dementia symptoms in people in care homes

The study, which looked at 98 people with dementia living in five nursing homes in Bavaria, placed 50 people in a group therapy programme called MAKS which consisted of motor stimulation, cognitive stimulation, daily living activities and a therapy session.

After a year, those in the MAKS group with mild to moderate dementia were reported to have maintained their level of cognition on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) and ability to carry out daily living activities.  Those in the control group receiving their usual care were reported to have declined in cognitive and functional ability.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This small study supports the view that with the right support, people can live well with dementia throughout the condition. Evidence shows that good care involves activities people with dementia find interesting and enjoyable, and interaction with others. Currently a typical person with dementia in a care home spends just two minutes every six hours socially interacting with other people.'

'Further research is needed before recommending this regime is integrated into usual care for people with dementia. In the meantime, care staff should be empowered with training to provide good quality care.'

Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society

Research Reference:

Non-pharmacological, multicomponent group therapy in patients with degenerative dementia: a 12-month randomised, controlled trial.  Elmar Graessel, Renate Stemmer, Birgit Eichenseer, Sabine Pickel, Carolin Donath, Johannes Kornhuber and Katharina Luttenberger. BMC Medicine (in press).

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk