Exercise has major health benefits for people of all ages, but it might be something that people with Alzheimer’s disease seek to do more often. Engaging in regular physical exercise can do a lot to help Alzheimer’s patients have a better overall quality of life and even improve cognitive function. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families work out how to incorporate more movement into seniors’ lives.
Improving Blood Flow
Exercise boosts blood flow throughout the body. That means that even the brain gets more blood flowing to it when people exercise. Better circulation can help support brain health and may even boost memory and cognitive function. Before seniors start any exercise program, though, they should clear it with their doctors.
Slowing Cognitive Decline
Because Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive illness, it does worsen over time. Anything that can slow that cognitive decline down is a good thing to try and it turns out that exercise can help to slow down cognitive decline. Seniors who move more may have better cognitive function for a little longer than they expected.
Improving Memory and Attention
Exercise can help with memory and attention, even for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. They can’t regain all of what they have lost and there’s still no cure for Alzheimer’s, but being able to improve attention and memory by small amounts helps with quality of life. These can be some of the symptoms that are most embarrassing for Alzheimer’s patients, too, so improvements help with confidence and self-esteem.
Reducing Restlessness
Moving a little bit more can help significantly with restlessness, especially in seniors who are prone to wandering or fidgeting. They may find that they fall asleep easier or that they experience better quality sleep overall. The exercises don’t have to be complicated. Just moving a little bit more can help. Taking a small walk several times a day could be enough to help seniors feel less restless.
Exercises to Consider
Some of the exercises to consider might include walking, cycling, swimming, or lifting weights. It isn’t necessarily as important what exercise seniors try, but that they keep moving and are consistent about moving more. A good plan is to find movements that seniors enjoy so that they’re more likely to stick with them.
Creating Routines
People with Alzheimer’s disease thrive on routines. Building exercise into their daily routine means that it becomes something they expect to do, which is important. Home care providers can help families to figure out routines that include all of the activities seniors want to do in their days and weeks. Even with Alzheimer’s disease, seniors can live a full and happy life.
Reference
https://www.alz.org/news/2020/a-mental-workout
https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee/bewell/getmoving/ways-that-exercise-helps-alzheimer-s-disease.html
https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/stay_physically_active#
Moving more and reaping the benefits is great for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s care providers can make it easier for seniors to experiment with movement and find the routine that best suits their needs and wants. As seniors include more exercise in their daily lives, they can start to see just how well it supports their goals as they continue to live with Alzheimer’s disease.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care in Hiawassee, FL, please contact the caring staff at Homewatch CareGivers of Dr. Phillips today! (407) 214-2065
Homewatch CareGivers of Dr. Phillips provides exceptional home care for seniors in Clarcona , Pine Hills, Florida Center North, Hiawassee, Lake Buena Vista, Metro West, Dr.Phillps, Windermere, Meadow Woods, Lake Nona, Hunters Creek, Buenaventura Lake, Kissimmee, St. Cloud and surrounding areas
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