Learn the best exercises for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Of course, there are plenty of benefits of physical exercise that most people are aware of, but what isn’t as well known are the best exercises for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Exercise can help lower the chance of muscle weakness and other issues that stem from inactivity, can reduce the impact of psychological and behavioral changes, and more.
Just as anyone else who is thinking of starting a new exercise regimen, a health care provider should first be consulted. Then, try introducing more physical activity into every day for a senior loved one with dementia, applying the following techniques in accordance with each person’s individual abilities and the appropriate stage associated with the disease:
Early Stages
Seniors experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s can participate in relatively active and social exercises, such as golf, bowling, dancing, swimming, and walking, even though some level of guidance and oversight may be needed. In time, enhanced supervision will probably be required as the disease advances.
Mid to Late Stages
Seniors in the mid to late stages of Alzheimer’s often experience heightened levels of confusion and anxiety. For that reason, noisy or overly exciting activities ought to be avoided. Repetitious exercises, such as indoor bicycling and walking, and tasks like folding laundry, help to reduce anxiety levels as the older adult does not need to make any decisions related to the activity or try to recall what to do next.
Advanced Stages
When it comes to the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, children’s toys and games may be well suited for supporting hand-eye coordination. These items are often brightly colored, easy to hold, and are intended to stimulate the brain. In addition, stress balls or soft clay-like products can be squeezed to help strengthen the muscles in the hands.
Endeavor In Home Care’s compassionate care professionals are fully trained and experienced in creative, kind, and thoughtful care for those with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, and we are always here to help families maximize wellbeing for the seniors they love. We are skilled in helping to successfully manage such overwhelming behaviors as aggression, sundowning, wandering and more, and can provide overnight respite care to allow family caregivers to get a restful night’s sleep while knowing their senior loved one is safe and secure.
Contact us online or at 480-498-2324 to hear more about our expert in home dementia care, or to request some additional tips and resources specific to the challenges you are facing. As the top provider of senior home care in Mesa and the surrounding areas, we’re happy to offer expert home care that helps keep older adults with dementia safe at home.
