Exercise For People With Dementia

Dementia is common amongst elderly people and affects the memory, reasoning power and other cognitive functions. Patients suffering from dementia often find it difficult to carry out routine tasks such as driving, bathing, dressing and routine household chores. Dementia patients can improve the condition by following the prescribed exercise regimen suggested by a trained medical practitioner. Exercise may include brisk walking, swimming and aerobic exercises. The exercise helps in increasing the blood flow to the brain and the formation of new brain cells.

Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercises help in improving their general health, strengthening the hormone and immune systems and increasing blood flow to the brain. Patients can start with ten to twenty minutes of aerobic exercises, depending on fitness levels. The exercise duration can be increased gradually as the patient begins to experience a general feeling of wellness. Aerobic exercises may include jogging, cycling, swimming or any physical activity that rejuvenates the patient's lungs and heart. Heavy aerobic exercises are however not recommended for dementia patients who have suffered a stroke in the past or have been diagnosed with heart related ailments.

Exercises in resistance and weight training:

Resistance or weight training exercises for dementia patients helps in building lean muscle mass and increasing metabolism. This helps in controlling blood sugar levels, which is very essential, especially for patients who are suffering from diabetes. Diabetes can complicate the existing condition of dementia, as increased blood sugar is harmful for human tissue and cells. Patients can start with lightweights and gradually shift to heavier options, as the body develops lean muscle mass. Initially they can exercise two to three times a week and then increase the frequency.

Flexibility and balance exercises:

The other exercises for dementia patients includes flexibility and balance routines that aim at strengthening the spine and muscles supporting the spine. They help the patients in improving general body co-ordination, which is difficult for the patient. The exercises help the patients to have a better sense of the surrounding space and environment. These exercises may include bending, stretching and tai chi to help in improving the mind-body co-ordination. The patients can take the guidance of a trained therapist, who will suggest the right movements and the frequency.

Dancing:

Dementia patients can also opt for alternative exercise forms such as dancing, which could be included in the aerobic exercise regimen. Dancing is a good option for people who find it boring to engage in weight training or the standard exercises. Dancing can be very beneficial for dementia patients as it combines the benefits derived from various forms of exercises such as aerobics and flexibility and balance exercises. Dancing can help dementia patients in reducing some of the mobility problems that arise due to the ailment.

Dementia is a disease that affects the normal functioning of the brain. It is important for the patients to regularly engage themselves in metal exercise apart from the physical exercises. Mental exercises may include solving puzzles, riddles or playing board games. Family and friends need to realize that love and affection are as necessary as exercise.

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