How Exercise Helps Seniors with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Last Updated on May 28, 2021

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Medical experts suggest that exercise is beneficial for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. According to them, elderly patients with these conditions would benefit from some level of physical activity in their regular routines, since their physical health can be a key to managing their mental health. That said, before starting on any exercise routines, be sure to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional for guidance. Here are some of the ways that exercise can help seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease:

Improved Memory

Since exercise is known to improve memory, seniors with weakening memory due to the set-in of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease will benefit from exercise. Physical activity, especially an enjoyable one, triggers previous memories and emotions. They can start associating objects and eventually, put two and two together. At a time when they are confused, they tend to forget names, places, faces, and other information easily, it helps them remember. Dancing if they can do it, coupled with fine music, will be great for them.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

With regular exercise, seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can expect improvement in their cardiovascular health. As the heart is a muscle, it needs exercise to grow stronger, continue its maximum function, and not disrupt blood flow from the heart to the brain. The elderly won’t have to sign up for rigorous sessions at the gym; basic ones will do. Seated exercises, for instance, are good. Your parents can bend arms and legs, clap under legs, form circles with hands, march in place, or raise heels and toes.

A Good Night’s Rest

Did you know that spending an hour or so daily in the garden can be a way for your parents to get a good night’s rest? Since it involves moving from one point to another, pulling out weeds, raking leaves, and watering plants, gardening counts as exercise. As dementia and Alzheimer’s can interfere with the brain’s muscular function, physical activity outdoors can help them fight against their disease. The elderly can work those muscles while basking in the sun. Consequently, will get the relaxation they need. Come bedtime, they’ll find themselves sleeping better.

Stronger Bones

By exercising 3-5 times a week, the elderly with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can have stronger bones. Especially at their age and with these brain diseases, they might not remember the simplest details, which can be the cause of falls, trips, and slips while navigating around the house. With you keeping an eye on them, the risk of sustaining severe injuries can be lessened. Any exercise is okay. For example, an indoor carpet bowl, and similar indoor exercises, can do wonders.

Movement, Balance & Coordination

For seniors to have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it can be frightening. At their feeble state, they’re deteriorating mentally. Particularly, their cerebellum is affected and thus, they’re struggling with movement, balance, and coordination. With physically active lifestyles, however, partnered with regular medical consultations and monitoring, the degenerative diseases can be managed. For one, walking for 10-15 minutes daily can keep them conditioned. Additionally, so your parents may find the exercise worthwhile, you can walk with them.

With improved balance and coordination, there is less risk of falling down and hurting themselves. Having a medical alarm at home is helpful for managing such emergencies, but prevention is better than cure.