If your mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, or someone you love is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, we know how much dedication and patience it takes to care for that person. It is difficult to put into words the sadness we feel as we watch our memories slowly fade day by day, and sometimes we become unrecognizable. But, even in the midst of this challenge, there are things we can do to make their lives a little easier and happier. Exercise is one such thing.
Why is exercise so important for someone with Alzheimer's?
You may be thinking, "Exercise can't cure Alzheimer's." That's true. Exercise is not a cure for the disease. However, exercise has the amazing ability to control many of the symptoms that come with the disease and improve your quality of life .
Simply put, when we exercise, many good things happen to our bodies and brains.
- Helps with good sleep: Many people with Alzheimer's have trouble sleeping at night. They tend to be sleepy during the day. This disrupted day-night routine can make it very tiring for them and for you to take care of them. A little exercise during the day can help your body get a little tired and help you get a good, deep sleep at night.
- Improves Mood: Sometimes you feel angry, anxious, or sad for no reason. These are common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. When you exercise, your brain produces chemicals called endorphins, which are called "happy hormones." This reduces stress and anxiety , and makes you feel more relaxed.
- Reduces Anxiety: Think of repetitive activities. For example, walking, riding an exercise bike at home, or even folding some laundry. In these types of activities, there is no need to think, make decisions, or remember, "What am I going to do next?" This reduces the stress they feel and calms them down. Also, when they finish the task, they can feel a great sense of accomplishment, with the feeling of "I did something."
The most important thing is to talk to and get approval from the doctor who knows your loved one's medical condition best before starting any exercise or activity.
Things you should ask your doctor about
It is essential to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine. Not every patient is the same. Appropriate exercise varies depending on their physical health, the level of disease, and other medical conditions (e.g., arthritis, heart disease).
Ask your doctor about these things:
- What are the best exercises? And what exercises should you avoid ?
- How long should you exercise? (e.g. 10 minutes or 20 minutes?)
- How hard should they work out?
- Do you need help from another health professional, such as a physical therapist? Such a person can create an exercise program that is appropriate for the patient.
What exercises and activities are suitable?
Remember, when we say "exercise" here, it doesn't have to be the big stuff you do at the gym. Simple, fun, everyday activities are best.
| Activity / Exercise | Benefits for an Alzheimer's patient |
|---|---|
| Walking | Simple, repeatable. Calms the mind. Walking in the garden or in a quiet place helps the mind relax. |
| Gardening | Things like touching the soil and watering plants bring peace to the mind. You get the joy of growing something. Gentle body movements occur. |
| Swimming or Water Aerobics | The pressure on the body is less in the water. This makes it ideal for those with joint pain. There is no fear of falling. |
| Yoga or Tai Chi | These are very slow movements. They improve balance and flexibility of the body. The mind becomes calm because you focus on breathing. |
| Simple household chores | Simple, repetitive tasks like folding laundry, wiping a table, and sorting vegetables. These create a sense of "I'm still useful" and increase self-confidence. |
Consider these safety tips when exercising
The safety of your loved one comes first, so be sure to take these things into consideration.
- Start small: After getting permission from your doctor, start with a short time, like 10 minutes a day. Gradually increase the time as your body gets used to it.
- Warm-up and Cool-down: Before starting any exercise, do simple things like moving your arms and legs for a few minutes (warm-up). After finishing the exercise, allow your body to recover slowly (cool-down).
- Create a safe environment: Check the exercise area for any potential hazards, such as slippery surfaces, poorly lit areas, throw rugs, and wires running along the floor. Remove them.
- Balance issues: If you feel like you're going to fall while walking, try exercising near a grab bar/rail. Instead of doing exercises on the floor or a mat, choose simple exercises that you can do while sitting on a bed.
- If you experience pain or discomfort: If you feel sick, have chest pain, dizziness, or other pain while exercising , stop the activity immediately .
- Choose something they enjoy: The important thing is to help them choose something they enjoy and enjoy, without forcing it. Then they will want to keep doing it. Rather than saying, "Let's go exercise," it's much more effective to say something loving, like, "Let's go for a walk in the garden."
Take-Home Message
- Although Alzheimer's disease cannot be cured, simple exercises can manage symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.
- Exercise has many important benefits, such as improving sleep, improving mood, and reducing anxiety.
- Simple, repetitive, and enjoyable activities like walking, gardening, and swimming are best.
- Be sure to consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Make your loved one's safety a priority while exercising. Ensure a safe environment and stop the activity immediately if any discomfort occurs.
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