BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT IN SENILE DEMENTIA OF THE ALZHEIMER'S TYPE THROUGH EXERCISE (ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE).
Contributors: University of California, Davis.
Published: 1991
Number of pages: 77
Subjects: Psychology, Behavioral.; Health Sciences, Human Development.; Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.
Description: In attempting to manage a number of problem behaviors in persons with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type, it has become increasingly apparent that both physical and pharmacological restraints, while possibly providing short-term solutions, can have concomitant adverse reactions and more positive means of behavior management are needed for this population. The recent OBRA legislation which further limits the use of these restraints, makes the development of other less invasive and restrictive methods even more critical.

A group of dementia patients at Sutter Oaks Alzheimer's Center in Sacramento, CA were randomly assigned to one of three intervention/control groups: exercise, sedentary activity, and control. Eighty-one percent of the subjects had a diagnosis of possible Alzheimer's type dementia, while the remaining 19% had diagnoses of dementia or organic brain syndrome. With the exception of one subject who was 61, all were over the age of 65. Since the majority were possible Alzheimer's disease and over the age of 65, the total group was referred to as senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Tests of t and t prime and an analysis of variance were computed on frequencies of wandering, rummaging, and aggressive behaviors. No significant difference was found in frequency of these targeted behaviors after twelve weeks of intervention when compared to base frequency for each group or when twelve-week frequencies for each group were compared. It was concluded that further research is needed to test other group configurations, in other environments, and for longer periods of time before rejecting exercise as a behavior management strategy in caring for dementia patients.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 52-09, Section: B, page: 4963.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS, 1991.

School code: 0029.