Simple Tips for Implementing Exercise into Alzheimer’s Patients Daily Care
One in 10 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, equating to an estimated 5.8 million Americansliving with the disease currently. That is 5.8 million Americans who are unable to recognize their loved ones, or reminisce on their fulfilled lifetime.
In addition to losing their memory, those with Alzheimer’s disease experience physical decline. Simple tasks- rolling over in bed, getting up from a chair and feeding themselves- are near impossible. As a result of cognitive and physical struggles, those with Alzheimer’s disease typically require full time care.
As there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatment must focus on maintaining symptoms. Implementing exercise into treatment plans is a safe and feasible option that has the potential to increase cognitive and physical function in those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Here’s some simple tips for introducing exercise into the lives of Alzheimer’s patients:
1. Be Smart
As always, it is important to consult the patient’s doctor before starting an exercise program. It is important to start slow- jumping into vigorous exercise too soon may cause undesired soreness, steering the patient away from exercising again. Ensure that the patient is exercising in a safe space, free of tripping and falling hazards.
2. Take a Walk
Walking is a full-body work out that allows patients to exercise within their own comfortable range. In a year-long study,Alzheimer’s patients who walked two hours per week actually improved their cognitive function. Implementing walking programsinto the treatment of Alzheimer’s have also yielded significant improvements in completing activities of daily living.
Suggested Dose:30 minutes a day/4 days a week
3. Hit the Weights
Weight training is not limited to youngins’! Continuing to challenge muscles is a great way to increase overall ability, making activities of daily living easier. In fact, Alzheimer’s patients who participated in a home-based strength training programexperienced improvement in completing activities of daily living, as well as in cognitive function.
4. Disguise the Workout
I get it- who reallywants to work out? Disguising exercise for the Alzheimer’s patient is a good way to get them up and moving without them even realizing how hard they are working! For example, ask them to help you in the garden, fold laundry, dance, or vacuum. These activities challenge patient’s range of motion of their joints, helping increase their overall mobility.
Whether you are a caregiver, loved one, or patient, these tips can be utilized by anyone who knows someone struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise has the potential to maintain symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients, and even increase their cognitive and physical function. Be an advocate, and ask your doctor about implementing an exercise program in your Alzheimer’s treatment. Hereis an example of an exercise prescription form, bring this to the doctor!
For more information on Alzheimer’s disease, visit https://www.alz.org/. Additional exercise visuals can be found here, as well as video tutorials here.
Erin is a senior Movement Science major and Commonwealth Honors Scholar at Westfield State University. She is an active member of the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society.
References
1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Retrieved 09 Dec 2019 from https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures-infographic-
2019.pdf
2. Winchester, J., Dick, M. B., Gillen, D., Reed, B., Miller, B., Tinklenberg, J., & Cotman, C. W. (2013). Walking stabilizes cognitive functioning in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) across one year. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 56(1), 96–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2012.06.016
3. Venturelli, M., Scarsini, R., & Schena, F. (2011). Six-month walking program changes
cognitive and ADL performance in patients with Alzheimer. American Journal of
Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, 26(5), 381–388.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1533317511418956
4. Steinberg, M., Leoutsakos, J., Podewils, L., & Lyketsos, C. (2009). Evaluation of a home-based exercise program in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: The Maximizing Independence in Dementia (MIND) study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(7), 680–685. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.2175
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