Alzheimer's Disease and Exercise

A person with Alzheimer's disease (AD) gains the same kind of benefits from regular exercise as anyone else, including improved cardiovascular fitness, strength and endurance. Research suggests that expercise can also address some of the symptoms associated with the disease.

Exercise helps to reduce depression rates among people with Alzheimer's and helps protect against the side effects of physical deterioration such as falls and fractures. People with Alzheimer's disease who regularly exercise are also less likely to be institutionalized because of behavioral problems. However, always consult with the person's doctor before starting on any new exercise program.

Exercise reduces depression

In 2003, the University of Washington in Seattle conducted a study of 153 people with AD and their caregivers. The participants were randomly split into two groups; one group received routine medical care, while the other was given exercise programs consisting of flexibility, strength and balance exercises. The caregivers were tautght home-based exercise routines and basic behavioral management techniques. After three months, the patients who exercised were less depressed than those in the other group, and showed marked improvements in their physcial functioning.

Some of the specific benefits of regular exercise for people with AD include:

* Improved mood

* Better sleep

* Reduced likelihood of constipation

* Maintenance of motor skills

* Reduced risk of falls because of improved strength and balance

* Reduced rate of disease-associated mental decline

* Improved memory

* Improved behavior, such as reduced rate of wandering, anger and aggression

Getting started:

Always consult with the persons doctor and have a full medical check-up. Other health conditions, such as arthritis or high blood pressure, may limit the types of exercises they can safely perform

Start slowly. For example, perhaps five minutes of continuous exercise is all the person can manage at first. Over a period of months, add one extra minute at a time until the person can comfortably exercise for 20-30 minutes.

Demonstrate the activity yourself and ask the person to join you.

Boredom kills motivation, so mix up the activities to keep it interesting.

If the person used to enjoy a particular form of exercise, such as golf, encourage them to take it up again with your support. Other suggestions include:

Walking; Cycling; Gym work; Swimming or Aerobics. Any activity that raises the heart rate counts as exercise! Try dancing, gardening and even housework such as vacuuming and folding laundry.

Remember - if the person complains of any type of pain, discomfort, dizziness or shortness of breath - stop the activity immediately and consult their doctor.

Be sure they drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.

If they are exercising outside, make sure they are sun-smart - cover up with clothing and a hat, and apply sunscreen to any exposed skin.

Set achievable goals. Reward progress, no matter how small. Have fun!

For more information on programs that improve the lives of persons with AD, contact the Alzheimer's Association of WNY (716) 626-0600.

For information about Elderwood Senior Cares programs and services, please contact us at (716) 633-3900.