Physical exercise, autonomy in people with Alzheimer’s disease, and caregiver burden: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.118676Keywords:
Burden , dyadic relation-ship, informal caregivers, neurodegenerative disease, physical activityAbstract
Introduction: The progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) impairs patient autonomy and generates a multidimensional burden on the informal caregiver. In response to this issue, physical exercise has emerged as a key non-pharmacological intervention to mitigate the impact on both members of the dyad.
Objective: To analyze the methodological characteristics of physical exercise programs aimed at people with AD and their caregivers, and to evaluate their impact on patient functionality and caregiver-perceived burden.
Methodology: A review of original studies was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases (2019–2025). Physical exercise interventions reporting measures of patient functionality and caregiver burden scales were selected.
Results: The reviewed studies show that interdisciplinary programs targeting the patient–caregiver dyad lead to sustained improvements in patient functionality, emotional well-being, and perceived caregiver burden. These interventions strengthen autonomy, resilience, and affective connection, suggesting a synergistic effect of shared care.
Discussion: Physical exercise, especially when multicomponent or including cognitive tasks, contributes to improvements in the physical and psychosocial functioning of the patient–caregiver dyad, while also reducing caregiver burden. Accessible, structured programs adapted to the family context appear to demonstrate greater effectiveness and adherence.
Conclusions: Physical exercise improves the functionality of patients with AD and caregiver well-being. Integrating it into primary care is a key public health strategy to enhance the quality of life of the dyad.
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