Effects of Combined Exercise and Cognitive Interventions on Cognition, Function, and Quality of Life in Dementia Patients

This retrospective study aimed to explore the effects of a combined exercise and cognitive care pathway on dementia patients. Data from 80 patients with dementia were analyzed and diagnosed and were admitted to hospital for treatment from October 2022 to October 2024. Based on the care they received, as documented in the medical records, participants were categorized into a control group (conventional treatment and rehabilitation training, 40 cases) and a study group (combined exercise and cognitive care pathway, 40 cases). Data was extracted for a 3-month follow-up period. Data on cognitive function [mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA)], psychological state [Hamilton anxiety and depression scales (HAMA, HAMD)], functional outcomes [Berg balance scale (BBS) and timed up and go test (TUGT)], self-care ability [activities of daily living (ADL)], and quality of life [WHOQOL-BREF] were extracted from patient records at baseline (week 0), at the end of the 12 week care period (week 12), and at 1 or 3 months later. At the end of the 12-week period and throughout the follow-up, the MMSE, MoCA, BBS, ADL, and WHOQOL-BREF scores in both groups had increased from baseline, with the study group showing higher scores than the control group (P < 0.001). The HAMA, HAMD, and TUGT scores in both groups had decreased from baseline, with the study group showing lower scores than the control group (P < 0.001). This retrospective analysis suggests that combined exercise and cognitive care was associated with improvements in the cognitive, psychological, functional outcomes, and self-care abilities of dementia patients, and an associated enhancement in their quality of life.