INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON MOTOR AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is neurodegenerative and results in the progressive death of neurons in regions responsible for memory, learning, and emotional behavior. The aging process favors the emergence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) due to exposure to agents throughout life. With physical deterioration and loss of muscle mass, the risk of falls and fractures increases, leading to a worsening of quality of life and dependence on care. Therefore, the practice of physical exercise can help in the treatment of this disease, as well as in the prevention of falls and fractures. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise, with the aim of improving cognitive motor coordination in elderly individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: This qualitative systematic review used the Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus, databases and was guided by the PICOT question. Results: A total of 860 articles were found with the selected keywords, seven of which were found to be eligible for the criteria. Conclusion: The practice of physical exercise as a nonpharmacological treatment in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease contributes to positive effects on motor and cognitive function in elderly individuals. However, the level of confidence in the conclusions regarding the outcomes examined shows low reliability, that is, little power of effectiveness.