Dementia Action Week: Why Physical Activity Matters in Dementia Care

This Dementia Action Week, we’re highlighting the link between physical activity and cognitive health. Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia and have a positive impact on those who are living with the condition. This is why our local offices incorporate physical activity into their dementia care services in various ways.

When delivering homecare for Clients living with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, we focus on four pillars of dementia homecare. These consist of:

• Maintaining a Healthy Diet
• Having Someone to Talk to
• Keeping Physically and Mentally Active
• Practising Familiar Tasks

We see physical activity as one of the core tenets of helping those living with dementia to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. Staying active has long been linked to improved cognitive health, among other important benefits it can offer for our physical and mental health.

This blog will highlight some of the dementia-friendly activities our local offices run, as well as other ways to help your loved one get more exercise into their routine.

The Benefits of Physical Activity for Those with Dementia

Not only can exercise reduce the risk of developing dementia, but it can also improve quality of life and wellbeing for those currently living with the condition. Its range of benefits includes:

• Maintaining coordination and balance
• Improving physical fitness 
• Enhancing sleep quality and energy levels
• Boosting mood
• Improving focus and attention
• Boosting confidence and self-esteem
• Providing opportunities to socialise with friends and meet new people

According to Alzheimer's Society, physical activity can even help you have clearer memories of certain events, whether or not you have dementia. By improving blood supply and nutrients to the brain, you can boost thinking skills and memory.

Ways to Help People Living with Dementia Become More Active

There are plenty of ways to help your loved one incorporate more exercise into their daily life, from light movements to more intensive physical activity, depending on their ability. 

If more vigorous exercise isn’t suitable, household tasks such as cleaning and shopping can be a gentle way to add more movement into your daily life. If this takes the form of an interest or hobby that your loved one has, such as gardening or walking the dog, there can be added benefits of cognitive stimulation and improved mood. 

There are also types of moderate and vigorous exercise, such as golf, running, dancing, and aerobics, that are suitable for those living with dementia, depending on each person’s fitness level.

Dementia-Friendly Classes and Groups

If you want to be sure your loved one is exercising in a dementia-friendly environment and get the added bonus of a chance to socialise, specialised groups and classes are an ideal option.

For example, the British Gymnastics Foundation has a dementia-friendly seated gymnastics programme called ‘Love to Move’. As part of our dementia care and companionship service, our care professionals accompany our Clients to community events such as these, and we can suggest activities that may be beneficial and enjoyable for your loved one.

Many Right at Home offices organise their own gatherings for local people living with dementia, including sports and exercise events. Right at Home Havant & Petersfield are kicking off their Dementia Lawn Bowls Group this week, offering a chance for anyone, regardless of experience, to get involved in this popular game and socialise. Right at Home Havant & Petersfield Director Duncan Cameron said:

“Right at Home Havant & Petersfield already works closely with Dementia Friendly Emsworth to host a number of community activities, such as the dementia choir and the dementia gardening group. 

“With access to a terrific lawn bowls venue at the Emsworth Sports and Social Club, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to launch a dementia bowls group for the summer months. Our first session will be a taster and take place on Monday 19th May, the opening day of this year’s Dementia Action Week.  Many of those approached via our other groups have signalled interest, and I anticipate a great turnout. 

“As with the other Right at Home events, it will be free to attend and for those living with dementia and their carers – I believe it’s the first of its kind in the local area too.”

Dementia-Friendly Holidays

Dementia Adventure, Right at Home’s charity partner, supports people living with dementia and their carers to connect with the great outdoors, with excursions including walking trips, and activities such as kayaking. This represents a wonderful opportunity for those living with dementia and their carers to indulge their adventurous side, with full confidence that all activities will be dementia-friendly. 

Every Bit of Exercise Helps

A recent study featured in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggested that people who exercise just a small amount, once or twice a week, were 25% less likely to develop mild dementia compared to those who didn’t exercise at all. 

This is fantastic to read, because realistically, not everyone has the time or opportunity to exercise for several hours every day. It seems that some of the cognitive benefits of physical activity can be experienced by adding just a couple of exercise sessions to your week.

Do You Know Someone With Dementia Who Would Benefit From Extra Support?

If your loved one has received a dementia diagnosis and they are starting to find their daily routine difficult, our dementia homecare service can give them the additional support they need to stay independent and happy in their own home. 

Contact your local Right at Home office to find out more about our dementia care services.