Aalbers, T. (2009) The feasibility of a physical intervention to improve working memory in people with Down's syndrome and (a suspicion of) Alzheimer's Disease. A pilot study. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Background: People with Down syndrome are at high risk of getting Alzheimer's disease early in their lives compared to the normal population. This makes them vulnerable to further cognitive decline. Amongst other cognitive functions working memory suffers as a result of both Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer research shows that cognitive decline can be slowed by physical exercise due to the brains neuroplasticity. Objective: To establish a feasible physical activity intervention and working memory test battery in order to improve and measure working memory capabilities in people with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Using a uncontrolled pre posttest design, thirteen participants with Down syndrome and (a suspicion of) Alzheimer's disease entered the intervention. Results: Feasibility scores on the working memory test battery were generally low with a highest adherence of 75%. The intervention scored high on both adherence (82.9%) and compliance (98.2%). Working memory test results provided no significant improvements but did show some promising effects. Conclusion: The working memory test battery is not sensitive enough to measure working memory changes in the current population and needs to be revised. The intervention is executable however some parameters may need to be altered.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Thesis) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Wijck, R. van PhD |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Jun 2020 10:54 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Jun 2020 10:54 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1529 |
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