A new German study found that those with dementia who engaged in a therapy that included mental, physical, and spiritual activities postponed a decline in cognitive abilities without the use of any pharmacological intervention.
Researchers from the Friederich-Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany followed five nursing homes for 12 months. They compared the outcomes of two groups: one who received the standard treatment, and another who received a new highly structured intervention. Those receiving the new intervention were not given any medications for their dementia, but they still received standard nursing care and were not restricted in their daily activities. The intervention, called MAKS, consisted of motor stimulation, such as bowling or croquet; activities of daily living, such as gardening and crafts; cognitive stimulation, such as individual or group puzzles; and a spiritual element, such as singing hymns and discussing topics like happiness. The activities were conducted two hours a day, six days a week and were led by registered nurses.
Researchers found the use of MAKS therapy a significant predictor of cognitive function, and participants engaged in activities of daily living outside the program had even better outcomes. Researchers concluded the therapy performed at least as well as cholinesterase inhibitors, the medication used to treat the other group. “MAKS therapy is able to extend the quality of, and participation in, life for people with dementia within a nursing home environment,” said lead researcher, Prof. Elmar Graessel. “[More research is needed] to see if this prevention of dementia decline can be maintained over a longer time period.”
Read more about the study, Structured Group Activity Slows Dementia Progress.
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