The Benefits and How to Create a Tailored Program
By Judy Cornish, theDAWNMethod.com
Dementia is a challenging condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure, research has shown that regular exercise can significantly benefit those living with dementia. This article explores the benefits of exercise for individuals with dementia and provides guidance on creating a tailored exercise program for a person or group of people experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The benefits of exercise for people with dementia
Improved Cognitive Function
Regular aerobic exercise can enhance cognitive function in people with dementia. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2017) found that participants engaging in aerobic exercise showed improvements in memory, attention, and executive function compared to those who did not exercise (Smith et al., 2017).
Reduced Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Exercise has been shown to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. According to a study from the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (2014), regular physical activity significantly reduced these symptoms, leading to an improved quality of life for both patients and caregivers (Livingston et al., 2017).
Delayed Progression of Symptoms
Physical activity can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Research published in The Lancet Neurology (2018) suggested that exercise helps maintain cognitive function and daily living skills for a longer period (Law et al., 2020).
Improved Physical Health and Mobility
Maintaining physical health is crucial for people with dementia. Exercise improves mobility, balance, and strength, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall physical health (Forbes et al., 2015).
Enhanced Quality of Life
A comprehensive review in International Psychogeriatrics (2019) concluded that physical exercise enhances the quality of life for people with dementia. Both aerobic and resistance training exercises positively impact mood, reduce the burden of disease, and improve social interactions (Lautenschlager et al., 2008).
Creating a tailored exercise program
Creating a tailored exercise program for your residents with dementia involves considering their physical abilities, cognitive status, and personal preferences as well as past experiences with exercise. Here are some steps to help you design an effective program:
Assess Physical and Cognitive Abilities
Before starting an exercise program, assess each participant’s physical and cognitive abilities. Consult with healthcare professionals to understand their limitations and capabilities.
Remember: people experiencing dementia are losing memory, thinking and attention skills. These skills help them to prioritize and to remember the steps in a process as well as to direct their own attention. This means that your caregivers will need to find ways to make exercise fun for residents and they will be more successful if they do the exercises with the patients experiencing dementia. If caregivers want to try something like yoga, they will also need to be mindful of only asking participants to complete one step at a time.
Choose Appropriate Activities
Select exercises that match their abilities and interests. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi are excellent choices. Walking is particularly beneficial as it is low-impact and easy to incorporate into daily routines. Research from the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2018) found that regular walking for more than six months significantly improved memory and executive function (Erickson et al., 2018).
Note that a person who participated in something like yoga before the onset of dementia may have an easier time with the positions because they will have some muscle memory from past practice. If you are trying to introduce an activity that is new to them you will need to model each position and keep it simple. If it is too much or they lose interest, find ways to incorporate simple movements like walking or stretching into their day.
As another example, consider UK resident Peter Berry who is living well with early onset dementia. Peter has always loved cycling and continues to do a considerable amount of biking on a regular bicycle as well as a penny farthing. He and his friend, Deb Bunt have written a book about his life experiences called, “Slow Puncture: Living Well with Dementia.” Visit his website (peter-berry.com) to learn more about Peter.
Establish a Routine
Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of exercise. Establish a routine that includes regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Break it into shorter sessions if necessary.
Ensure Safety
Ensure the exercise environment is safe. Remove any obstacles that could cause falls and ensure the space is well-lit. Model the exercises and provide plenty of assistance to prevent injuries if necessary.
Incorporate Social Interaction
Exercise can be more enjoyable and motivating when done with others. Encourage participation in group activities or find exercise buddies. Social interaction can boost mood and provide emotional support.
Note: People experiencing dementia may resist taking part in group activities because they are afraid of the embarrassment that comes from failing at conversation with others. Visit our article, “Dementia and the Conversation” to get tips on how your caregivers can support them in conversation. Plan to have caregivers participate in any group exercise session with residents so that they can provide help when needed.
Monitor Progress and Adjust
Regularly monitor your clients’ progress and adjust the exercise program as needed. Be attentive to their responses to different activities and modify the routine to keep it engaging and effective.
Most Important: Focus on Making it Fun
Remember to keep it fun and positive. They may not remember what they did but they will remember the sense that they have fun with your care team when they walk or exercise together.
Conclusion
Exercise is a powerful tool in managing dementia. It can improve cognitive function, reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms, delay the progression of symptoms, enhance physical health, and improve the quality of life. By creating a tailored exercise program that considers your clients’ abilities, preferences and past experience, you can help them stay active and healthy. For more tips on dementia care see thedawnmethod.com. ISI
