Activity level by clinical severity and sex differences in patients with Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment

Background To determine how to maintain activity in persons with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, we examined the daily activity level by different degrees of clinical severity and sex differences in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Methods This study included 92 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 33 patients with mild cognitive impairment who visited our rehabilitation department. The Frenchay Activities Index was used to assess the level of activity. Results Women had high Frenchay Activities Index scores for household activities, such as meal preparation, washing clothes, and light housework, whereas men had high Frenchay Activities Index scores for social occasions and walking outside. Although activity decreased with the severity of dementia in women, there was no difference in men. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between the number of people living together and activity in women. Conclusions To maintain and improve activities in persons with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, it is important to suggest activities that fit the lifestyle of the individual and family caregivers and to provide lifestyle instructions that consider sex differences.