Vestibular Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease

This trial tests whether vestibular therapy can reduce the risk of falls in people with Alzheimer's disease. Vestibular therapy involves exercises that improve balance by targeting the inner ear, which maintains stability. Participants will either receive vestibular therapy or join an active control group, which includes eye and conditioning exercises that do not directly affect balance. The study seeks participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's who experience balance issues and have a caregiver to assist with the process. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance balance therapies for Alzheimer's patients.

If you are taking daily vestibular suppressant medications like anti-histamines or benzodiazepines, you will need to stop them to participate in the trial.

Studies have shown that vestibular therapy (VT) can reduce the risk of falls by about 20-40% in both younger and older adults. This therapy improves balance and stability by targeting the inner ear, which is crucial for maintaining balance. VT is generally well-tolerated, with no significant reports of serious side effects. However, while researchers have studied VT in other groups, its effects on people with Alzheimer's disease remain unexplored. Thus, although VT appears safe overall, its use for Alzheimer's patients represents a new area of research.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about vestibular therapy for Alzheimer's disease because it offers a fresh approach by targeting vestibular function, which is usually not addressed in standard Alzheimer's treatments. Unlike typical therapies that focus on slowing cognitive decline through medication, vestibular therapy involves physical exercises designed to improve balance and spatial orientation. By enhancing vestibular function, this therapy could potentially improve patients' overall quality of life and independence, offering benefits beyond what current medications provide. Additionally, this method is non-invasive and administered by a physical therapist, making it an accessible option for many patients.

Research has shown that vestibular therapy (VT) can lower the risk of falls by about 20-40% in both younger and older adults. VT is known to improve balance in healthy older adults. However, its effects on people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have not been directly studied. This trial will provide VT to some participants to assess its potential benefits for individuals with AD, who often struggle with balance and movement. Others will join an active control group, engaging in exercises that do not specifically challenge the vestibular system. In people with normal cognitive abilities, VT has improved balance and reduced symptoms related to inner ear issues. Researchers hope similar benefits will apply to individuals with AD.¹²³⁵⁶