Physical Activity for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment

Course Overview:

Cognitive impairment is a growing concern worldwide. When it comes to human cognition, there is a certain amount of decrease that is expected with normal aging. Although it is not limited to older adults, cognitive impairment is most prevalent in this population.

With this increasing concern, healthcare practitioners are keen to find a solution. There is a growing body of research that indicates that physical activity and exercise are potential ways to prevent cognitive decline.

As a member of the healthcare field, especially one working with older adults, it is important to acknowledge these findings and incorporate them into your practice. It is necessary for practitioners to be proactive and find effective ways to decrease the detrimental effects of cognitive impairment on those affected.

This online course will support physiotherapists by:

• Providing background information on cognitive impairment,
• Examining the biological mechanism of cognitive improvement with exercise and physical activity, and
• Providing recommendations for the parameters to prescribe exercise and strategies to engage persons living with a cognitive impairment.

Course Objectives:

Join Dr. Caitlin McArthur and Adria Quigley in this online course to:

1. Review the epidemiology, types, and physical and cognitive manifestations of cognitive impairment for older adults
2. Examine the possible mechanisms underlying effects of exercise and physical activity and cognition in older adults
3. Discuss recommendations for exercise prescriptions to enhance cognitive performance strategies to engage older adults with cognitive impairment in exercise and physical activity

Audience:

This online course is available to all healthcare professionals that want to learn more about exercise recommendations for older adults with cognitive impairments. It is brought to you by the Seniors Health Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA).

This course was recorded at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress in May 2022.