[Influence of the dementia stage on motor skills in senior citizens].

Background: The progressive course of dementia is not only manifested in the increasing impairment of cognitive functions but also in the motor skills of those affected and also impairs their mobility and independence in coping with everyday tasks. The present study investigated whether and to what extent there is a difference in selected skills of motor performance depending on the stages of dementia.

Material And Methods: This study included 32 senior citizens with mild dementia (group A; 84.3 ± 6.1 years) and 27 senior citizens with moderate dementia (group B; 85.6 ± 5.5 years), whose classification was based on the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). The following motor tests were used: the hand dynamometer test (general strength), the drop bar test (motor reaction ability), frailty and injuries: cooperative studies of intervention techniques (FICSIT‑4; balance), the timed up-and-go test (TUG) and the modified chair rising test (CRT; both assess mobility and transfer performances in everyday life).

Results: Group A, in contrast to group B, showed significantly better motor performance in all motor tests except the drop bar test. The largest differences were found in the CRT (p = 0.000) and TUG (p = 0.011).

Conclusion: In terms of overall strength, balance and mobility, people with more advanced dementia showed lower performance. Therefore, subsequent studies investigating the impact of dementia on motor skills should always include a classification of dementia levels. Intervention programs should contain physical activities that focus on increasing general strength as well as balance.