Effectiveness of Exercise Interventions in Reducing Depressive Symptoms Among Caregivers of People with Dementia: A Systematic Review

Dementia is a progressive neurocognitive condition that places substantial psychological, physical, and financial strain on informal caregivers. Caregivers of individuals living with dementia are at heightened risk for depressive symptoms. Exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms across a variety of populations, and some research suggests it may also benefit informal caregivers of individuals living with dementia; however, findings in this population have been variable. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials examining the effects of exercise interventions on depressive symptoms among informal dementia caregivers and to explore potential moderators related to intervention, participant, and methodological characteristics. A comprehensive search of six electronic databases (MEDLINE via OVID, AgeLine, Web of Science, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO) was conducted from inception to April 2025. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials that compared an exercise intervention to a non-exercise control condition and assessed depressive symptoms using standardized scales. Six randomized controlled trials (published between 2002 and 2021) met the inclusion criteria. Due to substantial heterogeneity across studies (I² = 63%) in intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and comparator designs, a meta-analysis was not conducted. Findings were synthesized narratively. Overall results were mixed. Two trials reported statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms favouring exercise interventions, while four reported no significant between-group differences, although some observed small within-group improvements. Interventions varied considerably in modality (aerobic, multimodal, mind–body), duration (8 weeks to 12 months), supervision, and control group design. Evidence suggested that structured moderate-intensity and mind–body interventions may hold promise; however, effects were inconsistent and appeared influenced by baseline depressive symptoms severity, intervention design, and comparator conditions. The limited number of randomized controlled trials and variability in study design highlight the need for more rigorous, adequately powered trials. Future research should clarify the optimal characteristics of exercise and identify caregiver subgroups most likely to benefit from it. Exercise represents a potentially accessible, non-pharmacological strategy to support caregiver well-being, but stronger evidence is required to inform clinical and public health recommendations.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.Sc. Applied Health Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

Master

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

Department dc:contributor.department

Applied Health Sciences Program

Grantor dc:publisher

Brock University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Mall, Shivani

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Gammage, Kimberley

• caregivers
• dementia
• exercise interventions
• depressive symptoms

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10464/20327

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:brocku.scholaris.ca:10464/20327