A Structured Physical Exercise Program Reduces Professional Caregiver’s Burden Caused by Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Acute Dementia Care: Randomized Controlled Trial Results

Physical exercise is an effective treatment approach for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), but it is unknown whether the reduction of NPS has an impact on professional caregiver burden. A randomized controlled trial in acute dementia care with N = 70 patients, n = 35 per group, was conducted. The intervention group (IG) received an exercise program, the control group a social stimulation program. The RM-ANOVA showed a significant group x time interaction with time effects for the IG and decreased caregiver burden due to the exercise program at follow-up. Physical exercise programs may not only be beneficial for the patients but also for their professional caregivers.