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Exercise
For people with Alzheimer's disease, physical activity should be continued for as long as possible.
Exercise offers many benefits for people with Alzheimer's disease, including improved strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness. Exercise helps people with Alzheimer's disease preserve motor skills and improve balance, which in turn can help prevent serious injury from falls. Exercise also can increase energy, promote a normal day and night routine, and help to improve mood. Further, exercise increases circulation and can help improve mental clarity. Repetitive exercises--including walking, indoor bicycling, and activities such as folding laundry--may decrease anxiety in people with Alzheimer's disease because they don't have to make decisions about the activity or remember what to do next.
The type and intensity of exercise appropriate for someone with Alzheimer's disease depends on the person's degree of impairment. People in the early stages of the disease may enjoy exercises such as walking, bowling, dancing, golf, and swimming, although supervision may be necessary. Greater supervision may be required as the disease progresses, and activities that could lead to injury should be avoided. Most of all, select a hobby or activity you enjoy, and stick with it. Some suggestions include golfing, walking, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, and tai chi. Even leisure activities that do not require a high level of physical exertion, such as playing board games or playing a musical instrument, may have significant benefits for patients with dementia.
It is important to talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program. There may be other factors--such as osteoporosis, a heart condition, or a balance problem (possibly due to medication)--that could limit or restrict activity.
Your doctor may make recommendations about:
- The types of exercise best suited to you and those to avoid
- The intensity of the workout (how hard you should be working)
- The duration of your workout and any physical limitations
- Referrals to other professionals, such as a physical therapist who can help you create your own personal exercise program
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