Impact of Combined Photo-Biomodulation and Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function and Quality-of-Life in Elderly Alzheimer Patients with Anemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

• Published in: International journal of general medicine 2021-01, Vol.14, p.141
• Main Authors: Nagy, Ebtesam N, Ali, Ahmed Y, Behiry, Mervat E, Naguib, Mervat M, Elsayed, Marwa M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged patients; Alzheimer's disease; Anemia; Clinical trials; Hemoglobin; Lasers in medicine; Lasers in surgery; Product development; Social aspects
• ISSN: 1178-7074; 1178-7074
• DOI: 10.2l47/IJGM.S280559

Purpose: Few data are available on the positive impact of photo-biomodulation (PBM) using low-level laser therapy as a complementary treatment for improving the cognitive function and optimizing the hemoglobin (Hb) level and oxygen carrying capacity in anemic elderly patients and consequently improving the quality-of-life. The present study aimed to evaluate a new, safe, and easy therapeutic approach to improve Alzheimer's disease-related symptoms that interfere with the whole life activities and social interaction of elderly patients. Patients and Methods: In this placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 elderly patients suffering from anemia and mild cognitive dysfunction were randomly assigned into two equal groups to receive active or placebo low-level laser in addition to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise over a 12-week period. Hb level as well as cognitive and functional tests were reassessed for any change after 12 weeks of intervention. Results: By the end of this study, both groups showed significant improvements in Hb level, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCa- B basic), Quality-of-Life for Alzheimer's Disease scale, and Berg Balance scale scores along with significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (P