Dementia Caring

Benefits of Physical Exercise for People with Dementia

We all know that physical exercise is essential to living long, healthy, and happy lives, but did you know that it has similar, positive effects on the wellness of older individuals living with dementia?

Let’s take a look at the benefits of physical exercise for people with dementia:
Limiting Risk & Progression
According to Dementia Australia, enjoying regular physical activity is great for your brain health because it increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It’s also known to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, and other undesirable conditions.

Although there is no cure for dementia, it’s clear that getting active is a great way to keep your mind as healthy as possible and potentially slow down the progression of the disease.
Reducing Stress & Depression
Just like the rest of us, individuals living with dementia can benefit from exercise to boost their mental health. Although it may seem hard in the midst of a tough workout, exercise is shown to help our bodies produce more endorphins, giving us a good happiness boost.

Older people with this disease frequently experience stress and depression, and as the illness progresses, their agitation and frustration become far more frequent and intense. By occupying their time with gentle and repetitive physical activities, you can keep their minds occupied and put them at ease as there are no decisions to make as they walk on the treadmill or pedal a stationary bike.
Improving Sleep Quality
It’s no surprise that physical activity helps to promote better sleep. Think about it: how well do you sleep after going for a long walk or a great session at the gym?

The same can absolutely be said for men and women living with dementia. It’s not uncommon for these individuals to struggle to regulate their sleep patterns, which then become some of the most challenging behaviours in dementia sufferers. By incorporating a few physical activities in their lives, they can enjoy a much better night’s sleep.

Now that you’ve seen how great physical activity can be in the lives of dementia sufferers, how will you incorporate it into your loved one’s routine? For more information on how we support individuals with dementia, visit our website or reach out at 1300 792 691.

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4.5
Based on 13 reviews
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