Symptoms of moderate to mild Alzheimer’s disease include difficulty sleeping, depression or anxiety, balance and coordination issues, and low energy. Do you have a parent, grandparent, or other loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? Did you know that exercise can not only have a positive impact on their physical well-being, but it can benefit their mind as well? It’s true! To help combat the negative effects of memory-related illnesses, introduce a regular exercise routine.
Here, we are going to look at some exercises for Alzheimer’s disease.
Exercises That Are Safe for Those with Alzheimer’s Disease
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, they can greatly benefit from certain exercises. It’s important, however, for them to participate in exercises that are safe. Here are some suggestions:
- Lifting weights – Naturally, this does not apply to hundreds of pounds on a barbell. It refers more to relatively light hand weights. To combat bone loss as people age, cognitive improvement was linked with weightlifting in some studies. A regular weightlifting routine will be an important exercise for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Keep in mind that weightlifting should only be done with a spotter, regardless of how light the weights may be.
- Stationary bike riding – For people with Alzheimer’s disease, repetitive, simple movements are ideal. Riding on a stationary bike, in addition to the beneficial ease of motion, will get their muscles moving and their heart pumping.
- Chair yoga – While using a chair for stability, this takes the participant through a series of yoga poses. For people with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s been proven to assist in balance improvement. A combination of breathing and stretching exercises, chair yoga is perfect for relaxation, and to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.
- Walking – With supervision, a treadmill can be used or, with you or someone else to go with them, outside walking is even better. A positive effect can be experienced from a walk as short as 30 to 45 minutes daily. Try little mini sessions if 30 to 45 minutes is too much to start with.
Therapy Focused Exercise
Particularly for people with Alzheimer’s disease, a positive impact on the brain was generated by exercise. This was discovered in a study done at Wake Forest School of Medicine. Supervised workouts at a gym using stretching and/or aerobic activity were done for six months. Participants worked out four times a week.
The final result determined the following:
Due to exercise, participants had better blood flow in the processing and memory centers of their brains. Measurable improvement was shown in executive brain function/organizing abilities, planning, and attention.
As a side note, researchers wanted to make it clear that the positive impact exercise had on the brains of the participants could not be matched or rivaled by any current medication.
Encouraging Health and Wellness in Those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
With a focus on emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, and mental health, Regency Pointe features our Dimensions Health and Fitness program – an all-encompassing wellness and health platform. Residents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of holistic fitness and wellness classes and programs. To assist in their efforts, we offer a heated pool, spa, and senior-equipped fitness center.
Several living options are offered at Regency Pointe including SHINE® Memory Care. An adventure in self-discovery, our premier program helps those with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory-related illnesses rediscover self-sufficiency, camaraderie, self-assurance, self-worth, belonging, fun, and enjoyment.
Schedule a tour to personally experience our enriching environment steeped in southern tradition. If you have questions, you can contact us at 256.456.0016. With sales and leasing inquiries, call 256.269.1919.