The purpose of the study are to determine the acceptability of a 12-week program of Tai Chi for memory (TCM) among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia; and to determine the effects of TCM on physical functioning, depression, and health-related QoL.~A quasi-experimental design was used with two groups classified according to the level of their cognitive impairment (MCI vs. Dementia).~Depression, health-related QoL, and physical functioning including grip strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility were measured before and after the 12-week TCM program.~Depression was measured using the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale.~Health-related QoL was measured using the 12-item Short Form survey (SF-12). Grip strength was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer. Flexibility was assessed using the standard sit-and-reach test. Balance was measured using the one-leg-standing balance test. Mobility was assessed using the timed up and go test. Paired and independent t-tests will be used to compare the effects of TCM within and between groups.
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the feasibility of a 12-week program of Tai Chi for memory (TCM) among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and to determine the effects of TCM on physical functioning, depression, and health-related QoL. Two experimental groups will be recruited for inclusion criteria of community-residing older adults with a diagnosis of either MCI or Dementia.