Background: The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of the hand movement exercise program on the cognitive function of the older with dementia. Methods: A total of twenty-four subjects were divided into two research groups and one control group, respectively. Each exercise was conducted in twelve weeks: three times a week, twice a day for fifteen minutes. Enhancement of cognitive function in each exercise program was evaluated four times using MMSE-KC, the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State. Results: As for enhancement of cognitive function, the hand movement exercise program represented an increase of $1.63{pm}.92$ over those before study, showing significant differences (p<.05); the large muscle exercise program, $.75{pm}.89$; and the activities of daily living program, $.00{pm}2.14$, showing no significant differences. Conclusion: Hand Movement Exercise Program can be inferred from the results that consistent exercise program is more effective than any other ways for enhancement of cognitive function of the older with dementia.