Cognitively enhanced tai chi worked better to improve cognitive ability compared to standard tai chi and stretching in people who had concerns about their memory and those experiencing mild cognitive impairment, according to a small study. The study was published Monday in Annals of Internal Medicine.
The authors said that people stuck to the virtual home-based exercise program well. This means it could be a feasible program for older adults.
About 16 to 20% of people over the age of 65 have mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. Genetics, as well as other conditions such as stroke, diabetes and depression can affect a person’s risk for MCI. People with MCI have a decline in functional condition. MCI can lead to memory issues, and affect the way people handle dual tasks. Cognitive decline and impaired dual-task performance are linked to having a higher risk for falls, higher healthcare costs and increased mortality. Exercise can help preserve cognitive function and mitigate the cognitive decline in older adults.
Researchers from Oregon Research Institute conducted the trial. They randomly assigned 318 adults with self-reported memory decline and a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score of 0.5 or lower at baseline to participate in “cognitively enhanced” tai chi, standard tai chi or stretching. The participants completed the program for one hour, twice a week for 24 weeks. The programs were delivered via videoconferencing.
A few mild adverse effects were reported during the trial, the authors reported. The researchers say the people who participated in the study had positive improvements in cognition and function, executive function and working memory compared with the other two interventions. Even better, those results lasted and were sustained at 48 weeks after people began the exercise program.
