Project R-15866

Increasing exercise intensity in individuals with dementia in nursing homes: a mixed method study. (Research)

The risk of developing dementia increases with age. Due to an aging population, the number of people with dementia is expected to double by 2070. Dementia is one of the leading causes of dependency on care in the elderly. In Belgium, approximately 60% of people with dementia live in a nursing home. Unfortunately, there are currently no curative treatments to stop dementia. However, symptoms can be reduced through pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. One example of a nonpharmacological intervention is physical therapy, which can improve the symptoms of dementia. According to the IAGG-GARN guideline, residents of nursing homes, including those with dementia, should engage in 35-45 minutes of moderate-intensity, multicomponent exercise program twice a week, including a 10-minute portion of aerobic activity. Despite the guideline, there is often a failure to meet these recommendations. Adherence is also often low in people with dementia in nursing homes due to intrinsic motivation issues and memory problems, among other reasons. This study will use a mixed-methods design to gain insight into implementing guidelines and increasing exercise intensity through music.

01 June 2025 - 31 May 2027