Dementia and Exercise

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that exercise has a positive impact in regards to the prevention of dementia, as well as in slowing cognitive decline. Aerobic (cardiovascular) exercise in particular has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.  It is not hard to believe that exercise, which boosts the circulation to the entire body, results in healthier brain tissue. Exercises involving new and different movement patterns can also be very beneficial to the brain.  Our brains benefit greatly from learning new things and being challenged with new tasks.  

While we know that exercise is very beneficial, individuals with cognitive decline/dementia may face extra challenges which can make the reality of exercise more difficult. 

Difficulties following verbal instructions or keeping up with the pace of an exercise class

While many facilities such as assisted living communities and personal care homes frequently run group exercise classes, it may be difficult for an individual with cognitive decline to follow along and participate.  Most often, individuals with dementia will do much better exercising when there are visual or kinesthetic (touch) cues to help guide them through the movement pattern required.  This may require being at the very front of the class, or a one on one session with a health care professional such as a physiotherapist to provide direct guidance for the individual to complete the movement pattern.  Even individuals who struggle to communicate verbally can often follow exercise when a physiotherapist prompts them with touch to create the movement required. 

Safety Issues with walking and gait aids

An individual with dementia will be at a higher risk of falls vs an individual with higher cognitive functioning.  It is very easy to get distracted and forget your walker and cane, and walking without them may result in an injury.  Furthermore, gait aids can often be an extra challenge to learn to coordinate for a person with dementia.  A physiotherapist can help with learning to use gait aids appropriately, create good and safe habbits, as well as spend the time with an individual to allow them to walk for longer periods than they may on their own.  Repeated exposure and practice will make using a gait aid and practising safe patterns of getting out a chair much easier and habitual.  

Memory Issues and Home exercise

Regular home exercise is beneficial for any individual, but it does become extremely important when it comes to rehabing from a surgery such as a broken wrist or hip, or a knee replacement.  Regular home exercise done early in the rehab process will make an enormous impact in the stiffness a person is left with post-operatively.  Remembering to do these exercises daily can be a challenge for any of us, and more so for an individual with cognitive decline. Understanding the picture and how to do the exercise itself can be challenging as well.  Post it note reminders, setting alarm reminders and phone calls/visits from family can all be helpful in this regard.  Regular sessions with a physiotherapist to make sure exercises are being completed, and also that exercises are being completed properly, can be very impactful on an individual’s rehab process.  

Individuals with demetia and cognitive decline are still capable of doing so much by way of physical activity, and this in turn often improves their mental functioning. A physiotherapist can help with one on one sessions, guidance and tools to make exercise more approachable.