Language-Enriched Exercise Plus Stimulation (LEEPS): UW-Madison, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, US Administration on Aging
This 3-year statewide project, funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, trained volunteers to provide language-enriched exercise plus socialization to adults with early-stage Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD). Our aim was to determine if a program like LEEPS, which previously had been conducted at a University, could also work in rural settings. LEEPS was implemented in three rural counties in Wisconsin and more than 60 adults enrolled. Each person with ADRD was paired with a community volunteer, and the pair met twice a week for language stimulation, exercise, and socializing. Results were very positive: rates of cognitive decline were low, and participants enjoyed the program.
Outcomes
The possible outcomes of this project are that participants will maintain their current cognitive and functional abilities, improve their physical fitness and moods as well as assist family caregivers and improve their satisfaction with their role as caregiver. The project will result in a report describing the project, a manual that will assist others in replicating the project, a cost analysis, a semiannual data report and an article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Lyn Turkstra
Professor
- Department/Unit
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- School or College
- College of Letters & Science