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Alzheimer's disease and exercise

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Worldwide, millions of people currently live with Alzheimer’s disease and this number is expected to double by 2030.

One of the areas researchers are focusing on is the role of exercise for people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

According to researchers from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, people with dementia benefit greatly from regular exercise. This is indicated by better attention and memory (collectively known as “cognitive functioning”) and their ability to perform daily activities.

Their review, which re-examined the results of 16 previous study trials, was aimed at testing the theory that exercise might benefit dementia patients by either slowing the progression of the illness or helping to treat it.

The researchers argue that improving a patient's ability to carry out everyday tasks (e.g. walking a short distance or getting up from a chair) will result in positive changes in mental processes related to cognitive functioning.

They conclude that there is promising evidence that exercise programmes improve cognition and the ability to carry out daily activities.

Previous research has also shown that people who exercise during middle age have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia later in life.

In another study, researchers led by the University of Arizona’s Department of Surgery say dementia patients that receive better rehabilitation care will improve their basic motor functions. Improvements were seen in postural balance, the ability to move from one position to another and muscle strength in the lower sections of the body.

While most people take these basic motor functions for granted, they’re very important for the independence of older people with advanced forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.  

The study’s lead author Dr Michael Schwenk stresses the value of rehabilitating basic functional tasks. He says tasks such as the ability to walk or rise from a chair are of utmost importance to reduce fall risk, prevent loss of independence and increase mobility-related quality of life in patients with dementia.

As a specialist researcher in motor-performance healthcare, Dr Schwenk says the study suggests that conventional obstacles to more intensive rehabilitation – based on opinions that dementia patients have diminished mental abilities – are unfounded.

He is urging other researchers to develop better exercise training programmes specifically designed for patients with dementia. Therapists and doctors that specialise in caring for the elderly (geriatricians) are not always sure about the types of exercise and appropriate levels of intensity, as little guidance is available.

So the good news is that exercise is beneficial for physical and mental health and can significantly improve your quality of life if you have Alzheimer’s disease.

Before you start 

Consider your abilities, preferences and needs before you start an exercise programme. If you’ve taken part in regular exercise over the years, this will be relatively easy for you. On the other hand, if you haven’t exercised much or have certain health issues (including heart problems, hypertension, or problems with breathing, balance or your joints), it’s very important to first consult your doctor, physiotherapist or other health professional before you start any new physical activity.

What type of exercise is best?

Depending on your overall health and fitness level, you can opt to exercise alone or in a small group. Maybe you’d first like to try different exercises to find the one that’s most suitable and enjoyable? The important thing is to start and continue being physically active for as long as possible.

Walking is suitable for people with different fitness levels. You can walk alone outdoors in your neighbourhood or walk with a friend to enjoy some fresh air and a change of scenery. Alternatively, the social activity of a group walk may be more to your liking. 

Dancing is an enjoyable way to destress and take part in exercise. It's good for increasing flexibility and strength, agility and balance. If you prefer to take a group dance class, it’s a fun sociable way to interact with others.

You can also try doing some exercises to music. Ask a physiotherapist to create a suitable exercise programme for you. If you are wheelchair-bound, you can still do adapted forms of exercise.

Swimming or water aerobics is a safe way to exercise as it requires less balance and is gentle on the joints. It’s best to do this under supervision.

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