Can Exercise Help Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s?

As caregivers, we’re always on the lookout for ways to help our loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We’ve heard that exercise is good for the brain, but let’s face it – when you’re dealing with memory loss and confusion, the idea of hitting the gym might seem a bit far-fetched. But here’s some exciting news: recent research suggests that exercise could be a powerful tool in our caregiving toolkit!

What’s the Scoop?

A new study published in 2024 took a deep dive into how exercise affects people with Alzheimer’s [1]. Here’s the bottom line: moving your body isn’t just good for your muscles – it’s great for your brain too, especially if you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s.

So, How Can Exercise Help?

1. Better Thinking: The study found that people with Alzheimer’s who exercised regularly showed improvements in their thinking and memory. It’s not a cure, but it could help slow down those frustrating memory slips.
   
   
2. More Independence: Regular physical activity might help your loved one stay independent longer. This could mean being able to dress themselves, make a sandwich, or even just move around the house more easily.
   
   
3. Happier Mood: Exercise releases feel-good chemicals in the brain. For someone battling the emotional roller coaster of Alzheimer’s, this natural mood boost can be a real game-changer.
   
   
4. Healthier Brain: The researchers found that exercise does all sorts of good things for the brain – it improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and even helps create new brain connections!
   
   

Okay, But What Kind of Exercise?

Here’s the best part – you don’t need to turn your loved one into a gym rat! The key is finding activities they enjoy and can do safely. Some ideas:

• Taking a short walk around the neighborhood
  
  
• Dancing to their favorite oldies
  
  
• Gentle stretching or chair yoga
  
  
• Gardening or potting plants
  
  
• Swimming or water aerobics (if they’re comfortable in water)
  
  

Remember, always check with their doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

Making It Work

Starting an exercise habit can be tricky, especially for someone with Alzheimer’s. Here are some tips:

1. Start Small: Even 5-10 minutes a day is a great start!
   
   
2. Make It Routine: Try to exercise at the same time each day to create a habit.
   
   
3. Do It Together: Join in the activities – it’s good for you too, and provides great bonding time.
   
   
4. Keep It Fun: If they enjoy music, dance! If they love nature, walk in a park.
   
   
5. Be Patient: Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay.
   
   

The Big Picture

While exercise isn’t a miracle cure, this research gives us hope. It’s a simple, drug-free way to potentially improve life quality for our loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Plus, it’s something we can start right away!

Remember, every person is different. What works for one might not work for another. But isn’t it wonderful to have another tool in our caregiving kit? So why not give it a try? Your loved one’s brain (and body) might thank you for it!

Source: [1] Bonanni, R., et al. (2024). Exercise to Counteract Alzheimer’s Disease: What Do Fluid Biomarkers Say? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(13), 6951. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/13/6951

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other health conditions.