Dementia and Alzheimers can cause severe memory loss and be difficult for a person and their families to cope. While there’s no cure for dementia, there are ways to minimize the disease’s progression. One of the best is exercise.
The Link Between Exercise and Brain Health
Everything in our body, from our toes to our bellies to our brains, is connected. Some studies have shown that regular physical activity helps maintain brain and health function, and may slow down dementia’s progression.
Benefits of Exercise for Dementia Patients
Having a brisk walk several times a week or attending exercise class can offer enticing advantages to dementia patients, such as:
- Boosting cognitive function
Since exercise increases blood flow to the brain, it can help nourish cells and promote connections between them. - Enhancing mood
Endorphins are chemicals released during exercise that act as mood elevators. - Improving sleep
Good sleep is important for brain health. Physical activity can make a person go to sleep faster and sleep more soundly. - Reducing risk of falls
Exercising regularly increases strength and improves coordination, balance and flexibility. - Increasing social interaction
Group exercising, whether it be a walking buddy or an exercise class, gives the patient an opportunity to interact with others. This time can help them not feel isolated.
Starter Exercises for Folks with Dementia
Dementia patients don’t have to be athletes to start moving and get some exercise. Here are some easy exercises to add to their routine to help them feel healthier.
- Walking
A treadmill makes it easy to get a walk in no matter the weather. However, strolling outside with a caretaker on a pretty day can provide sunshine and fresh air that can work wonders on peace of mind. - Dancing
Turning up the music and moving to the beat is a fun way to get the blood pumping. Or, taking a dance class to learn some new steps also aids in meeting new people. - Gardening
Another wonderful activity, gardening can be as light or strenuous as desired, from planting and weeding to watering flowers and even watching potted plants grow in the house. - Swimming
Taking several laps in the pool is a wonderful way to get some exercise without putting a strain on joints. Keep in mind, dementia patients should never swim by themselves.
Along with other memory-boosting tips, adding regular exercise to a dementia patient’s routine offers numerous benefits. Feeling less stressed and isolated, enjoying some social interaction, and getting some blood pumping to the brain help mitigate the toll the disease takes on the body. Consider the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle in our Desert Diamond Memory Pavilion for your loved one.