Effects of exercise-cognitive dual-task training on elderly patients with cognitive frailty and depression

World J Psychiatry. 2025 Apr 19;15(4):103827. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v15.i4.103827. eCollection 2025 Apr 19.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cognitive frailty and depression are prevalent among the elderly, significantly impairing physical and cognitive functions, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Effective interventions are essential to mitigate these adverse effects and enhance overall health outcomes in this population.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of exercise-cognitive dual-task training on frailty, cognitive function, psychological status, and quality of life in elderly patients with cognitive frailty and depression.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 130 patients with cognitive frailty and depression admitted between December 2021 and December 2023. Patients were divided into a control group receiving routine intervention and an observation group undergoing exercise-cognitive dual-task training in addition to routine care. Frailty, cognitive function, balance and gait, psychological status, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS: After the intervention, the frailty score of the observation group was (5.32 ± 0.69), lower than that of the control group (5.71 ± 0.55). The Montreal cognitive assessment basic scale score in the observation group was (24.06 ± 0.99), higher than the control group (23.43 ± 1.40). The performance oriented mobility assessment score in the observation group was (21.81 ± 1.24), higher than the control group (21.15 ± 1.26). The self-efficacy in the observation group was (28.27 ± 2.66), higher than the control group (30.05 ± 2.66). The anxiety score in the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) for the observation group was (5.86 ± 0.68), lower than the control group (6.21 ± 0.64). The depression score in the HADS for the observation group was (5.67 ± 0.75), lower than the control group (6.27 ± 0.92). Additionally, the scores for each dimension of the 36-item short form survey in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Exercise-cognitive dual-task training is beneficial for improving frailty, enhancing cognitive function, and improving psychological status and quality of life in elderly patients with cognitive frailty and depression.

PMID:40309604 | PMC:PMC12038665 | DOI:10.5498/wjp.v15.i4.103827