Effect of exercise on mood in nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 3 behavioral interventions on affect and mood in nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease. In a pre–post design, 90 residents with Alzheimer’s disease were randomized to 3 groups: supervised walking, comprehensive exercise (walking plus strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises), and social conversation (casual rather than therapeutic themes). Interventions were provided 5 days a week and progressed up to 30 minutes per session over 16 weeks. Interventions were conducted primarily indoors. Outcome measures included the Lawton Observed Affect Scale, Alzheimer Mood Scale, and Dementia Mood Assessment. At posttest, participants receiving comprehensive exercise exhibited higher positive and lower negative affect and mood. The social conversation group exhibited the least positive and most negative mood and affect. Results suggest that exercise programs be emphasized in long-term care, particularly whole-body involvement rather than walking alone. Keywords exercise; affect; mood; Alzheimer’s disease; dementia Positive mood is an integral component of quality of life for nursing home residents wit