Integrated cognitive and physical fitness training programme for community-dwelling old adults with risks of dementia in Hong Kong

• Published in: Asian journal of gerontology and geriatrics 2024-06, Vol.19 (1), p.28-29
• Main Authors: Wong, Chi-kin William, Wong, Wai-sang Wilson, Cheung, Tung-wai Alvin, Kong, Chun-hin Lisley, Tang, Nga-wai Ivy, Ng, Shuk-chong Anna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive ability; Cognitive therapy; Dementia; Exercise; Older people; Physical fitness
• ISSN: 1819-1576; 1819-1576

Background: Dementia is a growing health concern in Hong Kong, and physical exercise has been shown to benefit cognitive function in older adults. Based on the Brain Invigoration and Gross Motor Activation Programme, The Hong Kong Society for the Aged developed the Integrated Cognitive and Physical Fitness Training Programme (...) for communitydwelling older adults with risks of dementia, aiming at improving their cognitive and physical capacities. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme on cognitive and physical capacities in older adults with risks of dementia. Methods: In total, 150 older adults with risks of dementia were recruited from four district elderly community centres and four neighbourhood elderly centres in 2022. Participants were divided into groups of 10 to 12 persons for a 6-week training programme consisting of 10 dual-task exercises. The exercises were designed with reference to local cultural activities and instrumental activities of daily living to enhance engagement. Each participant received two training sessions weekly. Montreal Cognitive Assessment 5-minute protocol Hong Kong version, 30-second chair-stand test, and 3-meter timed up and go test were used to evaluate cognitive and physical capacities before and after the programme. Participants who achieved ≥80% attendance rate were considered. Within-group comparisons were made using paired-t test. Factors influencing changes in physical and cognitive capacities were evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Statistical significance was set at α=0.05. Results: Of the 80 participants (mean age, 81.1±7.2 years; 83% women) included in the analysis, 46 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 34 were at risk of MCI. After completion of the training, significant improvements were observed in all outcome measures in all participants. The improvements were not correlated with age or education level. The MCI group showed greater improvements than the at-risk group in terms of 3-meter timed up and go test (13.5% vs 4.3%, p