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Cognitive Benefits of Exercise and Physical Therapy

We can’t say it enough: exercise is key in helping keep people of all ages healthy. For seniors with dementia, exercise provides an added benefit of helping improve or retain cognitive functioning, as well as reduce challenging behaviors like disrupted sleep, agitation, sundowning and more.

“Exercise is one of the best non-drug ways to improve the quality of life in dementia patients,” says Phil Noto, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, a memory care  assisted living community in Trumbull, CT. “At Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, we’ve seen how staying active helps our residents physically by improving their flexibility, strength, sleep patterns and circulation. We also know that exercise is an incredibly effective way to reduce pain, improve balance and reduce fall risks, as well as boost self-esteem and overall mood.”

The important thing, he says, is to find exercises that are enjoyable for people with dementia while being safe enough for their level of ability.

“When putting together a personalized care plan for our residents, our staff and therapists have to review the individual’s remaining abilities and suggest exercises that are engaging and entertaining without being risky. This can change at any time based on how the disease progresses, so our personalized approach is incredibly important in helping adapt and shift, allowing us to always do what’s best for our residents.”

The Science Behind It

Scientists aren’t entirely sure of the why and how exercise can boost cognitive function, although there are several hypotheses. First, the brain must have a constant supply of oxygen and other compounds, which are delivered through blood vessels. Physical exercise gets the blood pumping, literally, and helps keep blood vessels strong and healthy. Second, exercise has been proven to increase the creation of mitochondria in brain, as well as the muscles. Mitochondria are cellular structures that allow our bodies to generate and maintain energy, and recent studies have revealed that they play a key function in regulating brain function as we age. Third, exercise increases our heart rate, which has been proven to enhance the ability for adults to grow new brain cells, known as neurogenesis.

Regardless of the reasons why or how, what is clear is that physical activity has long-reaching benefits far beyond burning a few calories, and we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of the many benefits it has on your mental and cognitive health.

Benefits of Exercise for Dementia Patients

Physical activity has been proven to benefit individuals with dementia in many ways, including:

  • Reducing stress, improving mood and increasing calm, which then work together to reduce episodes of wandering, agitation and aggression
  • Improving physical capabilities and abilities, allowing individuals to better perform everyday tasks
  • Reducing the risk of falling because balance and strength improve
  • Temporarily halting or slowing cognitive decline
  • Reducing the risk of depression and increasing a person’s feeling of self-worth
  • Improving heart health
  • Improving sleep patterns and lessening of sundowning symptoms

Amount of Exercise Required

The duration and amount of exercise each person requires is different. For dementia residents, it may take some experimenting to find the type and amount of exercise that works for them. A good rule of thumb is to go for an amount that makes them feel good mentally, as well as physically. It’s also important to take it slow, and not try and do too much all at once. Anything is better than nothing, so it’s okay to wait on more strenuous exercises until the senior feels confident and has gained more strength.

Experts say that 30 minutes is a good amount of exercise time for individuals with dementia. That’s a cumulative amount – so the person can do a little at a time throughout the day. Some people may want to do 10 minute sessions a few times a day. Others may do all 30 at once, or others may do 5 or even 2 minutes here or there. Just remember, slow and steady wins the race.

How To Encourage Dementia Patients to Exercise

The biggest challenge for getting a dementia patient to do physical activity may be the person themselves. One of the best ways to get them up and moving is by treating it as something fun you can do together. This allows you to demonstrate what needs to be done and provide assistance if needed. Being able to follow what you’re doing will help make the activity more enjoyable for the senior.

Exercise Ideas for Individuals with Dementia

  • Walking. Taking a walk around the house, the front yard or anyplace outside is a great exercise for the mind and body. Consider combining a walk with an errand, like heading to the grocery store or taking the dog on a stroll.
  • Sitting to standing. Practicing standing up from a seated position is a great exercise for tasks like using the toilet.
  • Balance exercises. Stand in a balanced position for a certain amount of time (be sure to hold onto something if needed for safety). You can also pair this with prepping meals or washing dishes.
  • Sit up unsupported. Do this a few minutes each day, which will strengthen the back and core muscles.
  • Stretch in bed. This helps improve flexibility without having to worry about falls.
  • Tai chi or yoga. These can be adapted to routines done on chairs if needed.
  • Gardening. Pulling weeds or raking is a great workout.
  • Chores around the house. Spend time vacuuming, dusting or folding laundry.
  • Dancing. Put on a favorite record and hold a private dance party in your family room, or look for senior-friendly dance classes.
  • Exercise classes. Check out what’s being offered at local senior centers or communities, or connect with the YMCA or your city’s Parks and Recreation department.

Safety Tips

  • Ask the senior’s doctor to make sure the individual is healthy enough to exercise. The doctor may be able to give you some appropriate exercise tips, too.
  • Monitor how hard the senior is working by initiating short conversations. If the person is having difficulty talking because they’re winded, slow things down.
  • Make sure water is available and be sure the senior drinks plenty of water before, during and after exercising.
  • If you’re doing activities outside, make sure the senior has some form of identification in case you get separated
  • If your senior is feeling weak, having pain or getting dizzy, stop the exercise immediately.

If you would like more information about the benefits of exercise in dementia patients, contact us at  203.397.6800.

Personalized Lifestyle

Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull’s highly specialized, resident-centered Bridges® program is a positive, uplifting approach to memory care and wellness that focuses on a resident’s current skills and abilities, not on those that have been lost to dementia.

Each programming plan is as unique as the resident it serves, requiring all Bridges® team members to take an active interest in getting to know each resident on a personal level. Then, accounting for a particular resident’s preferences, interests, needs and abilities, we customize the most efficient blend of expert-recommended care, exercises, activities and communication techniques in order to connect with the individual, encourage their involvement in daily life and create happy, meaningful moments.

Intimate Environment

Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull features four distinct households, each with its own spacious common areas, along with 14 private and two companion suites. Suites feature private bathrooms and walk-in showers.

Each household has a homelike look and feel, creating an atmosphere of warmth, security and comfort for our residents and their families. While furnishings are provided, we encourage families to furnish their loved ones’ suites with favorite possessions from home to help them feel at home.

Featuring stunning residential design that complements the surrounding community, every inch of the interior is designed to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable and safe.

Call us today at 203.397.6800 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull or to schedule a personal tour.

Learn More About Bridges®

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