The Effectiveness of Neuro Developmental Treatment In Combination With A Fun Fitness Physiotherapy Program On The Physical Fitness of An Athlete With Down Syndrome and Associated Alzheimer's Dementia

People with Down syndrome (DS) generally age faster than people without DS, so they are more likely to develop Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Due to deterioration or decline in motor skills, it is important to include a vulnerable population of aging individuals with Down syndrome and associated Alzeheimer’s dementia in a neurophysiotherapy program and regular physical activity to improve their physical fitness. There are currently no published studies and evidence-based neurophysiotherapy regarding the most effective combination of physiotherapy procedures, nor data on its intensity. Method: We performed a case study and applied a quantitative methodology, where we examined the short-term effectiveness of the 12-month physiotherapy program of the Special Olympics Fun Fitness in combination with modern developmental neurological treatment (RNO) on individual components of physical fitness, namely muscle strength, balance, aerobic performance and mobility and on individual parameters of physical fitness of an athlete with DS and AD. Results: Based on the analysis of quantitative results of functional tests for individual components of physical fitness and the results of individual parameters of body composition, we determine the short-term effectiveness of 12-month physiotherapy program of the Special Olympics in combination with RNO on improving mobility, muscle strength and endurance, static and dynamic balance, aerobic fitness and body composition in an athlete with DS and AD. Conclusions: the mentioned program could be effective in aging people with DS and AD who have poorer physical fitness.