The Benefits Of Exercise For Alzheimer's Patients

Exercise has many benefits. It has a positive effect on both the mind and the body. It increases muscle strength and tone, joint flexibility, bone density and improves circulation.

Psychologically, exercise decreases nervous tension and tendency towards depression and anxiety. It can provide mental stimulation, enhance appetite, improve the quality of sleep, and provide a feeling of success. It has been associated with the improvement of symptoms in persons with Alzheimer's Disease.

Studies have suggested that walking and talking may be a simple way of improving the person's ability to communicate.

Two 30-minute sessions of daily exercise are recommended; stretching, range of motion, strengthening and balancing exercises should be included in the first session. The second session should consist of aerobic exercise such as walking.

Walking should be at the person's pace and your discussion should include topics that are, or were, relevant to the person in their life span.

When ambulating with a person with Alzheimer's Disease, the support should be at the person's wrist rather than on the arms. This prevents involuntary flexion of the arms which may affect balance. Even normally ambulatory persons with Alzheimer's Disease have impaired gait and balance, which predisposes them to fall.

This exercise program is designed for the younger, more physically fit person, though it can be shortened and modified for others.

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