Being physically active helps people with dementia feel better. Physical activity can keep your muscles, joints and heart in good shape, while also encouraging healthier body weight and sleep patterns. Since physical activity programs in dementia home care in Rosewood Park, VA are typically held in group settings, they can also provide valuable opportunities for socialization to improve self-esteem and mood. Exercise has strong positive impacts on your physical and mental health, helping to improve your overall quality of life.
The Impact of Physical Activity on Your Brain
Physical activity has been proven to induce structural and functional changes in the brain that lead to better cognitive functioning and well-being. It helps stabilize mood and delay the onset of symptoms such as depression and apathy. Exercise also serves as a protective factor against neurodegeneration, since regular physical activity impacts the brain cortex, neuromuscular and cardiovascular functioning and immune system.
Physical Activity Helps You Maintain an Independent Lifestyle
Exercise trains your musculoskeletal fitness which helps people with dementia maintain functional independence. This is because many activities involved in daily living do not require you to be exceptionally fit but are dependent on your musculoskeletal fitness. Physical activity programs such as brisk walking or light weight training help you to increase your range of motion and endurance while reducing inflammation in your muscles. These can also improve your balance, reducing the risk of falling.
Physical Activity Encourages Mental Wellness
Exercise allows you to build self-confidence and reduce negative thinking that comes with limited mobility and body pain. At our Memory Care community, physical activity programs like fitness classes are conducted in groups. This provides opportunities to socialize and mingle with like-minded individuals, combating loneliness while boosting mood and memory. Furthermore, physical activity programs are designed with your safety in mind and being active safely helps improve sleep quality.
Effective Exercise Plans for People with Dementia
The various stages of dementia affect your cognitive functioning differently. If you have early to middle stages of dementia, it is recommended that you should do 30 minutes of daily exercise. These can include walking, cycling or low-impact aerobics such as chair yoga. Other activities that get you to move in a fun way include dancing and gardening. At our community, we frequently organize dance classes and have many dinner parties where you can have a good time with your friends while simultaneously engaging your body.
If you have a later stage of dementia, a daily routine that involves simple and frequent movements can help you maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility. Balancing exercises are ideal for training your skeletal support, while finger exercises can be incorporated into your fitness routine to improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Enjoyable sensory experiences can also be integrated into the physical activity programs, such as smelling fresh flowers and grass through outdoor walks or with relaxing music as an accompaniment to the fitness class.
