Semin Speech Lang 2013; 34(03): 170-184
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1358370
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Language-Enriched Exercise plus Socialization for Older Adults with Dementia: Translation to Rural Communities

Authors

  • Asenath La Rue

    1   Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
  • Kristen Felten

    2   Office on Aging, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin
  • Kathie Duschene

    3   Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources, Madison, Wisconsin
  • Dana MacFarlane

    4   Alzheimer's Support Center of Rock County, Janesville, Wisconsin
  • Susan Price

    5   Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle Country, Richland Center, Wisconsin
  • Suanne Zimmerman

    6   Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwest Wisconsin, Monroe, Wisconsin
  • Stephanie Hafez

    6   Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwest Wisconsin, Monroe, Wisconsin
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
28. Oktober 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Interventions that stimulate and engage individuals with dementia physically, cognitively, and socially offer promise for improving health and well-being and for potentially slowing functional losses with disease progression. We describe a volunteer-based intervention that combines physical exercise, cognitive-linguistic stimulation, and social outings for older persons living with dementia in rural communities. One-year follow-up data, although clearly preliminary (n = 8), suggest stability in global cognition, mood, and aspects of physical fitness. Challenges to implementing dementia interventions in rural areas are discussed.