STRENGTH TRAINING BENEFITS IN THE ELDERLY WITH ALZHEIMER: NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: With the increasing elderly population also grows degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The AD causes cognitive decline, balance disorders, loss in muscle strength and physical function, resulting in loss of quality of life. It is currently known that physical exercise in resistance mode is an intervention that ameliorates cognitive and motor losses in the aging process. Objective: To investigate the possible benefits of resistance training in older adults with AD. Materials and Methods: Narrative review of the literature, searching the databases: Pubmed, Lilacs and Bireme, with the words "strength exercise", "exercise training", "resistance training", "strength training" and "muscle strength associated the "Alzheimer's". Results: 241 articles were found, of which the benefits of resistance training were selected 10. For the variables Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Quality of Life are still inconclusive. The combined training, containing strength exercises, walking, balance, flexibility and agility, has benefits to increase muscle strength, improve balance, cognitive function and physical function (the ability to walk up and down stairs, sitting and standing) in elderly with AD. Conclusion: more reliable studies with systematic methodology and bias risk assessment must be conducted to affirm the benefits described and standardize intensity, duration, volume resistance exercise in elderly patients with AD.