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Scientific planning of physical exercise protocols to prevent Dementia in elderly. The “Fitness Alzheimer Mobility Exercise” (FAME) project. A roadmap

Mouzakidis, C.1, Garopoulou, V.1,2, Poptsi, E.1, Antonopoulos, A.1, Markou, N.1, Tambaki, E.3, Meke, M.4, Moraitou, D.5, Tsolaki, M.1,2

1Hellenic Association of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (Alzheimer Hellas), Petrou Syndika 13, Thessaloniki, Hellas.
21st Department of Neurology, Medical school, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
Thessaloniki, Hellas.
3Computer and Telecommunication Engineer, University of Western Macedonia.
4European College of Sports and Exercise Physicians (E.C.O.S.E.P.).
5School of Psychology, Department of Experimental and Cognitive Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Hellas.

*Contact Corresponding Author: email

Abstract

Background: Physical Exercise (PE) is considered one of the promising non pharmacological interventions in the field of prevention and treatment of dementia. A certain number of randomized control trials support the idea that PE is useful for the patients with cognitive problems. PE interventions seem to have a positive effect on participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Dementia. It improves cognitive, functional, emotional and physical performance. However, extended reviews or meta-analyses concluded that the majority of these studies show a large heterogeneity in methodology, intervention characteristics and samples, thus, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Methods: Friends’ Society of Greek Association of Alzheimer’s disease (FSGAAD), with the cooperation of Panhellenic Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases (PINDIS), has submitted a proposal for funding to TIMA foundation named FAME (Fitness Alzheimer Mobility Exercise). The proposed program explores the current best practices in PE programs of organizations in Greece where people with MCI, AD or other forms of Dementia are involved, and will define the next steps to create common exercise intervention protocols.
Results: Upon the completion of this project a manual will come out, which will be the guide for both the patient’s neuropsychological and physical evaluation and the exercise intervention he/she should follow.
Conclusions: The FAME project is believed, initially at national level and later at international level, to help solving the methodological issues of exercise interventions and there will be a common line that will consolidate the benefits of PE at people with MCI, AD and other types of dementia.

Keywords: Mild Cognitive Impairment; Alzheimer’s disease; Dementia; Physical Exercise; Exercise Protocols.

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Mouzakidis, C., Garopoulou, V., Poptsi, E., Antonopoulos, A., Markou, N., Tambaki, E., Meke, M., Moraitou, D., Tsolaki, M. "Scientific planning of physical exercise protocols to prevent Dementia in elderly. The “Fitness Alzheimer Mobility Exercise” (FAME) project. A roadmap," PANR Journal, November 4, 2019, https://www.panr.com.cy/?p=3139.