The Exercise IMPACT for YOD Case Series: Exercise Interventions for Mood, Physical health, And Cognition, Tailored for Young Onset Dementia
Nicholas Lawlis

Date and Time

Thursday, November 12, 2026, 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM

Theme / Track

Health, medical and integrated care

Presentation Format

Concurrent

Background People with young onset dementia (symptom onset before 65) experience distinct lifestyle and family circumstances compared to those diagnosed with older onset dementia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and perceived benefit of an exercise intervention tailored for people with young onset dementia. Method Six people (female, n = 4) with young onset dementia aged 53-62 participated in an 8-week, twice per week x 1-hour, tailored exercise intervention. Sessions combined tailored resistance, aerobic, and dual-tasking exercises. Participant adherence was recorded, and mood assessed before and after each training session. Muscular strength was assessed pre- and post-intervention. At the conclusion of the intervention, participants and four care partners participated in semi-structured interviews to discuss their perceptions of the intervention. Interview data were analysed by thematic analysis. Results All participants attended at least 12 (75%) sessions across the eight weeks. Participants were typically more energetic, happier, and calm at the conclusion of each session. Muscular strength was generally maintained or improved (grip strength: -1 to +7 kg; 30s sit-to-stand: +0 to 5 repetitions) after the intervention. People with young onset dementia and their care partners valued the tailored nature of the program for younger people with dementia, reporting benefits to physical and mental health, which encouraged confidence, independence, and engagement in more active lifestyles. Conclusion Tailored exercise interventions are feasible within current models of practice for people with young onset dementia, showing potential benefit to physical and mental health. In clinical practice, further efforts to remove transportation barriers are needed to improve accessibility.

Keywords

Dementia, Exercise, Rehabilitation

Authors

Dr Nathan M D'Cunha, Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, University of Canberra
Dr Georgina R Chelberg, Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, University of Canberra
Professor Ben Rattray, Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Canberra
Dr Joseph M Northey, UC Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra