Therapie & Praxis
Jogging instead of joggers
Discover how cognitive-motor training and physical activity – supported by innovative tools like the THERA-Trainer senso – can slow dementia’s progression and enhance quality of life. Learn more about gentle ways to stay active and engaged.
Lars Timm
International Sales Account Manager, THERA-Trainer
How movement accelerates the fight against dementia
Virtual reality, robotics and assistive technologies are increasingly used to improve cognitive abilities, promote social interactions and facilitate the daily lives of dementia patients. The use of innovative technologies can offer patients new experiences while training their cognitive and motor skills. The THERA-Trainer senso, for example, is ideal for this.
In recent years, the prevalence of dementia has increased dramatically worldwide, mainly due to an ageing population and improved diagnostic procedures. This rise represents an increasing challenge for both the people affected and their relatives. For those affected, the disease means a gradual loss of memory, cognitive abilities and orientation. As a result, simple everyday tasks can no longer be performed and independence decreases.
In recent years, the prevalence of dementia has increased dramatically worldwide, mainly due to an ageing population and improved diagnostic procedures. This rise represents an increasing challenge for both the people affected and their relatives. For those affected, the disease means a gradual loss of memory, cognitive abilities and orientation. As a result, simple everyday tasks can no longer be performed and independence decreases.
For those affected, the disease means a gradual loss of memory, cognitive abilities and orientation.
Patients can no longer find their way around in their own homes, have difficulty communicating and become increasingly dependent. This commonly leads to frustration, confusion and anxiety among those affected.
Everyday life is also immensely challenging for the relatives of patients. They suddenly have to care for a loved one who is increasingly changing and in need of support. The physical and emotional burden of caring for a family member with dementia can be enormous. Relatives have to look after the patient’s safety and well-being, often putting their own needs second and dealing with financial, legal and organisational matters.
Everyday life is also immensely challenging for the relatives of patients. They suddenly have to care for a loved one who is increasingly changing and in need of support. The physical and emotional burden of caring for a family member with dementia can be enormous. Relatives have to look after the patient’s safety and well-being, often putting their own needs second and dealing with financial, legal and organisational matters.
The increasing number of dementia patients puts a strain on the healthcare system and requires adequate care and support.
Moreover, dementia is also associated with social and health policy challenges. The increasing number of dementia patients puts a strain on the healthcare system and requires adequate care and support. In order to provide optimal care, an improved infrastructure of specialised facilities and qualified professionals will be needed in the future to meet the needs of patients and relieve the burden on relatives.
Numbers tell an alarming story
The term dementia (Latin root demens: out of one’s mind) is often commonly equated with the disease “Alzheimer’s”. However, this connection is false, as dementia is not a disease but only a pattern of symptoms. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of different diseases.
The term dementia (Latin root demens: out of one’s mind) is often commonly equated with the disease “Alzheimer’s”. However, this connection is false, as dementia is not a disease but only a pattern of symptoms. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of different diseases.
Symptoms:
• loss of memory and thinking skills with significant impact on daily activities
• impaired ability to record and retrieve new information
• increasing difficulties with language, orientation and alertness
• changes in social behaviour, impulse control, drive, mood and reference to reality can occur
Dementia can be divided into primary dementia (neurodegenerative/vascular) and secondary dementia (depression/alcohol misuse) based on their pathology. Primary dementia accounts for 90% of diseases, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common in this group, accounting for approximately 70% of cases [8].
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, an estimated 50 million people worldwide currently suffer from dementia. This number could almost triple to 140 million people by 2050, fuelled by demographic change [1].
• loss of memory and thinking skills with significant impact on daily activities
• impaired ability to record and retrieve new information
• increasing difficulties with language, orientation and alertness
• changes in social behaviour, impulse control, drive, mood and reference to reality can occur
Dementia can be divided into primary dementia (neurodegenerative/vascular) and secondary dementia (depression/alcohol misuse) based on their pathology. Primary dementia accounts for 90% of diseases, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common in this group, accounting for approximately 70% of cases [8].
According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, an estimated 50 million people worldwide currently suffer from dementia. This number could almost triple to 140 million people by 2050, fuelled by demographic change [1].
Therapeutic approaches
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for most types of dementia. The fundamental cause of dementia cannot therefore be conclusively treated. Nevertheless, the therapy and treatment of dementia is of enormous importance because it can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected as the disease progresses. Medication and non-drug therapies can reduce the burden for those affected and their relatives [5].
The therapy and treatment goals for dementia are:
• to slow down disease progression
• to maintain the patient’s abilities for as long as possible
• to alleviate symptoms and side effects
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for most types of dementia. The fundamental cause of dementia cannot therefore be conclusively treated. Nevertheless, the therapy and treatment of dementia is of enormous importance because it can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected as the disease progresses. Medication and non-drug therapies can reduce the burden for those affected and their relatives [5].
The therapy and treatment goals for dementia are:
• to slow down disease progression
• to maintain the patient’s abilities for as long as possible
• to alleviate symptoms and side effects
Sport as a wonder tool against dementia
In recent years, physical activity has been identified as one of the main factors in the prevention of dementia. In addition to the preventive effects, physical activity can also help to slow down the progression of cognitive impairment, as well as the loss of physical skills in people already affected by the disease.
In recent years, physical activity has been identified as one of the main factors in the prevention of dementia. In addition to the preventive effects, physical activity can also help to slow down the progression of cognitive impairment, as well as the loss of physical skills in people already affected by the disease.
In recent years, physical activity has been identified as one of the main factors in the prevention of dementia.
Preventive measures
According to a recent overview study [4], regular physical activity offers strong protection against the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Physically active people have a 30–40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to inactive groups [3,6]. This protective effect is largely due to physiological mechanisms [5,9]. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the occurrence of “traditional” cardiovascular risk factors (such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension), which in turn are associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, regular physical activity promotes the production of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves the redox balance [9]. Studies have shown that regular exercise or physical activity has a positive impact on the volume of the hippocampus by preventing age-related decreases in volume. As the hippocampus is one of the most important brain regions for synaptic plasticity, exercise therapies could be an effective strategy to mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The dose-response relationship has not been conclusively established, but initial research suggests that a mix of intense and moderate activity provides the best protection against Alzheimer’s disease [2].
According to a recent overview study [4], regular physical activity offers strong protection against the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Physically active people have a 30–40% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to inactive groups [3,6]. This protective effect is largely due to physiological mechanisms [5,9]. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the occurrence of “traditional” cardiovascular risk factors (such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension), which in turn are associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, regular physical activity promotes the production of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves the redox balance [9]. Studies have shown that regular exercise or physical activity has a positive impact on the volume of the hippocampus by preventing age-related decreases in volume. As the hippocampus is one of the most important brain regions for synaptic plasticity, exercise therapies could be an effective strategy to mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The dose-response relationship has not been conclusively established, but initial research suggests that a mix of intense and moderate activity provides the best protection against Alzheimer’s disease [2].
Exercise in people already affected by the disease
This review study also shows strong evidence for the beneficial effects of exercise therapies in patients already affected by Alzheimer’s disease. These include improvements in global cognitive function, physical performance and functional independence. In addition, exercise therapy improves depressive symptoms and quality of life [4].
This review study also shows strong evidence for the beneficial effects of exercise therapies in patients already affected by Alzheimer’s disease. These include improvements in global cognitive function, physical performance and functional independence. In addition, exercise therapy improves depressive symptoms and quality of life [4].
Cognitive-motor training
Virtual reality, robotics and assistive technologies are increasingly used to improve cognitive abilities, promote social interactions and facilitate the daily lives of dementia patients. The use of innovative technologies can offer patients new experiences while training their cognitive and motor skills. The THERA-Trainer senso, for example, is ideal for this.
Virtual reality, robotics and assistive technologies are increasingly used to improve cognitive abilities, promote social interactions and facilitate the daily lives of dementia patients. The use of innovative technologies can offer patients new experiences while training their cognitive and motor skills. The THERA-Trainer senso, for example, is ideal for this.
Given the increasing prevalence of this disease, scientists have been intensively searching for new treatments to alleviate the effects of the disease
and to slow down its progression.
In the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, physical activity and mental stimulation are increasingly recognised as important components to improve quality of life and well-being.
A promising method that combines these two aspects is cognitive-motor training. Current research shows that this form of training offers significant benefits compared to traditional physical training. Cognitive-motor training goes beyond purely physical activity and integrates targeted cognitive exercises. By activating the body and the brain at the same time, different areas of thinking and coordination can be targeted. One of the most significant benefits of cognitive-motor training is the improvement of cognitive function. Studies have shown that this type of training can help improve memory, alertness and attention, problem-solving skills and information processing in people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The mental challenges posed by training promote neuronal plasticity and can slow down the progression of the disease. Another important aspect of cognitive-motor training is its impact on everyday skills. Training that uses targeted exercises adapted to the needs of dementia patients can help improve basic skills such as remembering names, performing daily tasks or orienting oneself in the environment. This enables people affected by the disease to remain independent for longer and to increase their quality of life [7].
A promising method that combines these two aspects is cognitive-motor training. Current research shows that this form of training offers significant benefits compared to traditional physical training. Cognitive-motor training goes beyond purely physical activity and integrates targeted cognitive exercises. By activating the body and the brain at the same time, different areas of thinking and coordination can be targeted. One of the most significant benefits of cognitive-motor training is the improvement of cognitive function. Studies have shown that this type of training can help improve memory, alertness and attention, problem-solving skills and information processing in people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The mental challenges posed by training promote neuronal plasticity and can slow down the progression of the disease. Another important aspect of cognitive-motor training is its impact on everyday skills. Training that uses targeted exercises adapted to the needs of dementia patients can help improve basic skills such as remembering names, performing daily tasks or orienting oneself in the environment. This enables people affected by the disease to remain independent for longer and to increase their quality of life [7].
The use of innovative technologies can offer patients new experiences while training their cognitive and motor skills.
Other treatment approaches:
Given the increasing prevalence of this disease, scientists have been intensively searching for new treatments to alleviate the effects of the disease and to slow down its progression. Recently, promising advances have been made that give hope for a better future for dementia patients.
Given the increasing prevalence of this disease, scientists have been intensively searching for new treatments to alleviate the effects of the disease and to slow down its progression. Recently, promising advances have been made that give hope for a better future for dementia patients.
Pharmacological treatment
New drugs are being developed to target specific mechanisms of the disease, such as the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. These medicines aim to slow down the disease progression and alleviate the symptoms. Although further research and clinical studies are needed, initial results suggest that pharmacological approaches may be promising [10].
New drugs are being developed to target specific mechanisms of the disease, such as the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. These medicines aim to slow down the disease progression and alleviate the symptoms. Although further research and clinical studies are needed, initial results suggest that pharmacological approaches may be promising [10].
Magnetic field stimulation
Magnetic field stimulation uses a weak magnetic field to specifically stimulate certain regions of the brain. Studies suggest that magnetic field stimulation can have positive effects on the cognitive abilities of dementia patients. By targeting the magnetic field to specific regions of the brain, neuronal activity can be stimulated and communication between brain cells can be improved. This in turn can help reduce cognitive deficits and increase mental performance. Moreover, magnetic field stimulation also has the potential to reduce mood swings and behavioural symptoms of dementia. Patients often report an improvement in general well-being, a reduction in anxiety and depression, and an increased quality of life.
Magnetic field stimulation uses a weak magnetic field to specifically stimulate certain regions of the brain. Studies suggest that magnetic field stimulation can have positive effects on the cognitive abilities of dementia patients. By targeting the magnetic field to specific regions of the brain, neuronal activity can be stimulated and communication between brain cells can be improved. This in turn can help reduce cognitive deficits and increase mental performance. Moreover, magnetic field stimulation also has the potential to reduce mood swings and behavioural symptoms of dementia. Patients often report an improvement in general well-being, a reduction in anxiety and depression, and an increased quality of life.
Virtual reality, robotics and assistive technologies are increasingly used to improve cognitive abilities, promote social interactions and facilitate the daily lives of dementia patients.
Although magnetic field stimulation is promising, further research and clinical studies are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of this method. It is important to note that magnetic stimulation is currently used as an adjunctive therapy to standard treatment and is not a single solution for dementia [10].
In search of the key to memory
Despite these promising advances, it is important to note that dementia is complex and no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Every patient is unique and requires individual treatment approaches. It is therefore essential that holistic care and support is provided and that it takes into account both the medical aspects and the psychosocial needs of patients.
Current advances in the treatment of dementia give reason for hope. With further research, clinical studies and the use of innovative approaches, we can hopefully create a better future for dementia patients. It is crucial that we, as a society, understand the needs of these patients and provide them with the support they need to live a dignified and fulfilling life.
Despite these promising advances, it is important to note that dementia is complex and no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Every patient is unique and requires individual treatment approaches. It is therefore essential that holistic care and support is provided and that it takes into account both the medical aspects and the psychosocial needs of patients.
Current advances in the treatment of dementia give reason for hope. With further research, clinical studies and the use of innovative approaches, we can hopefully create a better future for dementia patients. It is crucial that we, as a society, understand the needs of these patients and provide them with the support they need to live a dignified and fulfilling life.
Therapy & Practice
THERAPY 2023-III
THERAPY Magazine
Lars Timm
International Sales Account Manager, THERA-Trainer
Lars Timm studied Sports
Science with a focus on
rehabilitation in Freiburg i.Br.
and M.Sc. Sports Engineering
at KIT Karlsruhe.
References:
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- Firth, Joseph; Stubbs, Brendon; Vancampfort, Davy; Schuch, Felipe; Lagopoulos, Jim; Rosenbaum, Simon; Ward, Philip B. (2018): Effect of aerobic exercise on hippocampal volume in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis. In: NeuroImage 166, S. 230–238. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.11.007.
- Lee, Junga (2018): The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. In: Journal of gerontological nursing 44 (10), S. 22–29. DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20180814-01.
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