Effects of Mind-Body Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

To quantify the effects of mind-body exercise on cognitive function in older adults with cognitive impairment, we systematically searched five databases. Findings were analyzed according to the mean change of global cognition, memory, and executive function. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the level of cognitive impairment and types of exercise. Thirteen studies were included. Analyses revealed that mind-body exercise was effective in promoting global cognition in individuals with cognitive impairment (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-1.00; p = 0.003), as well as in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (SMD = 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.85; p = 0.02) or dementia; dance was effective in promoting global cognition (SMD = 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-1.46; p = 0.007) and memory (SMD = 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.52; p = 0.04) in individuals with cognitive impairment, but tai chi was not. Nevertheless, additional well-designed randomized clinical trials are further needed.