You’ve probably heard it time and time again: If you want to live a healthy life, exercise is a must.
But for those at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a type of memory loss disorder, there may be a bigger benefit to hitting the weights–it helps improve the physical and cognitive health of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“I have complete confidence that any exercise will be of some benefit,” says Dorothy Forbes, lead author of a new study published in the Cochrane Collaboration. “I strongly encourage (caregivers) to encourage people with dementia to participate in activities such as walking, if they can, and swimming, and gardening, and whatever they enjoy doing.”
Reviewing a total of eight exercise trials involving more than 300 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Forbes and her researchers found that regular exercise helped them continue on with their daily activities, such as getting dressed and rising from a chair–as well as sharpen their cognitive skills.
However, it didn’t improve the emotional aspects of the disease, according to Forbes.
“Clearly, further research is needed to be able to develop best practice guidelines to enable healthcare providers to advise people with dementia living at home or in institutions,” says Forbes. “We also need to understand what level and intensity of exercise is beneficial for someone with dementia.”
As another downside, the study didn’t look at which specific exercises held the best benefit for those with Alzheimer’s disease–something that has drawn criticism to Forbes’ review. But still, experts say this shows promise for those currently suffering from the disease.
“We also need to understand what level and intensity of exercise is beneficial for someone with dementia,” says Dr. Laura Phipps of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
How to Exercise to Fight Dementia
For most people, exercise is a must for staying healthy–and for those with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s practically a necessity. But how do you get your loved one to stay active while dealing with such a debilitating disorder?
“Light to moderate exercise may benefit dementia patients by improving both symptoms and quality of life,” says Joe King, M.S., a kinesiologist and contributor to LIVESTRONG. “Dementia patients must always perform physical activity with a qualified professional to ensure the exercises are done correctly and safely.”
In order to keep things safe, King doesn’t recommend doing anything complicated or intense here–instead, gentle cardiovascular activities provide the biggest benefit for seniors battling dementia.
“Light to moderate walking or stationary bike riding for 30 minutes a day, four or more days a week is highly recommended for dementia patients,” says King. “Cardiovascular exercise for dementia patients has also been shown to decrease the production of certain proteins in the brain that may make symptoms of dementia worse.”
In addition, King recommends incorporating strength training as well–an exercise that can fight the loss of muscle mass that often during during old age.
Readers: Do you know someone with dementia?
Sources:
The Best Physical Exercises for Dementia – LIVESTRONG.com
Alzheimer’s Disease Improved by Exercise – BBC.co.uk
Exercise May Help Dementia – Dispatch.com
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I have experiencing memory loss for the past eight (8) years or more…this made me very worry….the only thing that I did and my family didn’t do was: I had everyday a shake with milk or water and Protein powder…I am very worry to be like my grandmother, she became very much forgetfull… she did not have shake w/milk, she was in Germany in the time of that monster called Hitler.