EFFFCTS OF BRAIN GYM® EXERCISES ON INSTITUTIONALIZED OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

This study aimed at comparing the effects of a program based on Brain Gym (R) exercises against a fitness exercise program on the cognitive function and functional independence in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment. Twenty-nine institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment took part either on a Brain Gym (R) exercise-based program or on a fitness exercise program for eighteen weeks. The assessment measures used were: Mini-Examen Cognoscitivo, Fototest, Trail Making Test, Barthel Index and the Timed Up and Go Test. None of the variables analyzed improved significantly. A trend towards improvement, particularly in the fitness exercise group, in both cognitive status and functional independence was observed. In conclusion, the performance of a Brain Gym (R) exercise-based program had the same effects as taking part in a fitness exercise program, with no significant improvements on the cognitive function or functional independence in a sample of institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment.