How Does Exercise Affect Alzheimer’s Progression?
When an older adult is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, family members often look for ways to keep their loved one healthy longer and, hopefully, delay the progression of the disease. While there are plenty of unscrupulous people out there offering “miracle” treatments for dementia, unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease. However, research shows that there are ways to improve health and slow the rate at which symptoms worsen. A new study strengthens the idea that exercise may be one of those ways.
Exercise and Alzheimer’s Disease
Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas conducted a study using brain imaging to look at how exercise affected the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The study involved 70 people who were 55 or older. All of the participants had been diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and also had clusters of beta-amyloid protein in their brains, which is a marker of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study participants were divided into two groups. The control group engaged in stretching and toning exercises. The other group did aerobic exercise. At the conclusion of the study, both groups had about the same level of ability in both memory and problem solving. However, brain imaging showed that those who did aerobic exercise had less shrinking in the hippocampus of the brain.
The research didn’t delve into how the reduced shrinkage specifically helps cognitive abilities. However, since shrinking of brain tissues is part of the progression of the disease, the study suggests that exercise may, in fact, slow progression.
Ways for Seniors with Alzheimer’s to Exercise
The problem with getting older adults with Alzheimer’s disease to exercise is that their decreased cognitive abilities can make it difficult to find forms of exercise they can do and enjoy. Below are some tips to get your aging relative started in exercising as well as some ideas for activities to try:
See a Doctor: Before you begin incorporating regular exercise into your older family member’s routine, have them examined by a doctor to make sure they are healthy enough. The doctor may also be able to suggest forms of exercise that are right for the older adult’s abilities.
Prompt the Activity: Caregivers may need to start the activity by showing the older adult what to do, so that they can mimic your actions. For example, if the activity is to throw a ball for a dog to fetch, try throwing the ball. Then, put the ball in the senior’s hand the next time and encourage them to throw it.
Warm Up: Don’t forget to warm up before exercising. Gentle stretches limber up muscles and joints. However, if the older adult has poor balance, it may be best to do stretches while they are seated.
Try Different Things: You may not find a form of exercise the senior enjoys right away. Try different things until you do. Some activities that are good options for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease are walking, yoga, tai chi, dancing, or chair exercises.
Home health care can help to include exercise in your aging relative’s day to day routine. A home health care provider can show the older adult how to get started doing an activity, assisting with a warm up and stretches. Home health care providers can also do different kinds of activities, including going for walks with the senior or driving them to a yoga or tai chi class.
Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326383.php
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/staying-physically-active-alzheimers
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/ss/slideshow-exercise-alzheimers
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