PHYSIOTHERAPY IN GERIATRIC NEUROPSYCHIATRY AND COGNITIVE STIMULATION THERAPY

Abstract

Geriatric neuropsychiatry addresses the interaction of cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and functional disorders in older adults. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation have an important role in this field because mobility, balance, endurance, mood, and participation are closely linked with cognitive health. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an established non-pharmacological intervention for older adults with mild to moderate dementia, and physiotherapy complements CST by preparing the body for cognition, embedding cognitive challenge into movement, and translating gains into functional independence. This chapter outlines the conceptual basis, assessment framework, evidence-supported exercise protocols, and integrated rehabilitation model for geriatric neuropsychiatry. Aerobic exercise, strengthening, balance retraining, dual-task gait practice, and task-oriented functional training are discussed with practical dosage recommendations. Current evidence supports multicomponent exercise and combined cognitive-physical approaches for improving cognition, mobility, activities of daily living, and quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. An integrated physiotherapy-CST approach offers a clinically meaningful strategy to enhance cognitive health, reduce disability, and promote participation in ageing populations.