‘Mindful’ Exercise Program Improved Cognitive & Physical Function Among Dementia Patients More Than Traditional Exercise

Individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia who participated in a pilot exercise program that integrates functional movement and mindful body awareness experienced improved cognitive and physical function, compared to a group who participated in a more traditional exercise program. The pilot exercise program, called Preventing Loss of Independence Through Exercise (PLIÉ), also improved the participants’ quality of life and reduced caregiver burden. The intervention participants attended three 45-minute PLIÉ sessions per week for 18 weeks. The comparison group attended 20-minutes of chair-based exercise sessions from two to five days per week for 18 weeks. </p . . .