Physical exercise and dementia go hand-in-hand, helping people living with dementia to live well with the condition and maintain mobility and reduce anxiety. However, exercise has so many other benefits for people living with dementia, making it a vital part of everybody’s support plan. The idea is never to push someone beyond their capabilities, but rather to support them in remaining active for as long as possible.
We look at the many benefits of exercise for people with dementia, and how family members can support their loved one’s health and wellbeing.
How physical activity supports brain health and mobility
Regardless of whether a person is living with dementia or not, regular physical exercise is proven to be beneficial for brain health. Most importantly, it increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to support cognitive function. There is no cure for dementia, but supporting brain health can slow its progression and help people maintain cognitive abilities for longer.
Dementia also affects a person’s mobility, so exercise is crucial to maintaining strength, flexibility and balance. This helps to reduce a person’s risk of falls, while allowing them to do the activities they enjoy for longer. Whether it’s light stretching, swimming or a gentle stroll, all exercise is good for brain health and mobility.
Reducing distress, anxiety and improving mood through exercise
As dementia progresses, it’s not uncommon for people to experience increased levels of anxiety and unmet needs. In many cases, confusion or difficulty with daily tasks can lead to behavioural changes, and these are challenging for both the person with dementia and their support partners.
Exercise can have an extremely calming effect on people living with dementia, particularly gentle exercises that promote relaxation. Walking, stretching, yoga or even appropriate outdoor games and activities can help to improve a person’s mood.
During exercise, the brain releases endorphins, our body’s chemicals that help to improve our mood. Add in a bit of Vitamin D from the sun with some gentle outdoor activities, and exercise can work wonders for a person with dementia.
Improving sleep quality and creating a routine with exercise
Disrupted sleep is common for people living with dementia, often having difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep for the night. Exercise can benefit a person with dementia in the same way it benefits anybody experiencing trouble sleeping. Physical activity helps to regulate our internal body clock, uses up excess energy and reduces feelings of anxiety that are often present when trying to fall asleep.
In addition to providing better sleep, exercise also plays a vital role in creating a routine for someone living with dementia. Structure and predictable daily timetables help to combat feelings of confusion and agitation. For example, a daily walk at a certain time of day provides your loved one with all of the physical benefits, but also the sense of routine. Exercise reduces anxiety levels, which supports physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Encouraging social engagement through exercise
People living with dementia often experience feelings of isolation and loneliness. Even in a permanent care setting with many people around them, people can still feel disconnected from family and unsure of their place. This is why social engagement is so important for people living with dementia.
It’s not always easy to participate in social activities, because they can often be overwhelming. However, when your loved one is keen for some social interaction, consider group exercise classes, walking clubs, or even dancing. Social exercise is a way to create a sense of community, and most importantly, it’s more fun to do activities with others.
Safety considerations for exercise and dementia
Everybody experiences dementia differently, and it’s important to recognise that a person’s capabilities may change from day to day. Today, they may be enthusiastic about doing some gardening. Other days, they may feel incapable of doing those tasks, either for physical or mental reasons. Understanding this ensures that you don’t push someone to do more than they’re able to.
Always tailor exercise activities to suit your loved one’s needs. A usually physically active person may enjoy activities like swimming, but as the condition progresses, lighter exercises will be necessary. Ultimately, it’s all about ensuring a safe environment for a person physically, mentally and emotionally.
It’s equally important to monitor how someone responds to physical exercise. As a support partner, you may sometimes need to adjust someone’s exercise routine if activities become too much. A person’s capabilities will change over time, so you’ll need to be aware of this to ensure activities are safe at all times.
Want to know more about exercise and dementia?
Group Homes Australia offers a range of support services for people living with dementia and their families. Our approach is very personalised, with skilled Homemakers, registered nurses and social workers to support your loved one’s wellbeing. From permanent care to Flexible Respite options and support for families, contact our team today and find out how we can help.
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