Exercise and Protein Drinks Boost Independence in Dementia Patients

A new study by Karolinska Institutet indicates that a combination of daily physical exercise and protein-rich nutritional drinks may benefit individuals with dementia. Participants in the study demonstrated improved physical ability and, after three months, showed signs of increased independence in daily tasks.

The findings suggest a promising strategy to enhance daily independence for individuals living with dementia.

About the OPEN Study

The OPEN study, published in the journal Alzheimer's and Dementia, focused on older individuals residing in special housing. This population often faces increased risks of malnutrition, muscle weakness, and frailty. Previous findings from the OPEN study highlighted improvements in physical function, muscle mass, and nutritional status. The current analysis retrospectively examined the program's link to participants' support needs in daily life.

Study Design and Intervention

The study involved 102 individuals from eight nursing homes in the Stockholm area. For twelve weeks, an intervention group performed standing exercises daily and consumed one to two protein-fortified nutritional drinks. Researchers closely monitored the level of support participants required for various activities, including hygiene, dressing, and mobility.

Differentiated Results in Dementia Wards

When all residents were analyzed collectively, researchers observed no distinct differences. However, a different pattern emerged when results were segmented by ward type. In dementia wards, participants who adhered to the program demonstrated improved abilities. This led to a reduced requirement for care time when compared to the control group.

Participants in dementia wards showed improved abilities and a reduced need for care time after adhering to the program.

Researchers' Insights and Future Directions

Researchers suggest that individuals in dementia units might have had better initial physical conditions. This could have enabled them to improve their functional ability more effectively post-intervention. While interviews from earlier sub-studies support the idea that enhanced function can decrease support needs, the researchers caution that these results are based on secondary analyses.

Further studies are required where care time is the primary outcome, and organizational factors like staffing levels and work routines are closely monitored, as stated by Anders Wimo, a researcher at Karolinska Institutet.

Collaboration and Funding

The study was a collaborative effort between an interprofessional research group at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholms Sjukhem. Funding was provided by the Gamla Tjänarinnor Foundation and Danone Nutricia Research. Danone Nutricia Research supplied the nutritional drinks but was not involved in data collection or final analyses. Researchers reported no competing interests, apart from one author holding copyright for a measurement instrument used.