Continuing to live an active lifestyle or have the confidence to try something new can have an impact on someone one living with a diagnosis of dementia. It may not feel such a priority to keep fit, now there is a diagnosis of dementia, but regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 28% and for Alzheimer’s disease specifically, the risk was reduced by 45%.
But keeping active and maintaining wellbeing is just as important after a diagnosis as it was before their diagnosis.
It can
- Improve heart health which can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Reduce the risk of strokes, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
- By improving or maintaining physical fitness it will help maintain strong muscles and flexible joints. It can also reduce the risk of falls by improving strength and balance. A NIHR-funded research study followed more than 8,000 people with dementia (64% female) over an average of 2.5 years. They found that 31% (or 2,500 people) had a fall leading to hospitalisation, while almost one in five (18%) had a fracture.
- Physical exercise can also help to keep bones strong which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
But also, it can provide opportunities for social interaction and reduce the feeling of isolation. This can improve confidence, self-esteem and improve people’s moods. Allowing the person with the diagnosis to remain independent for longer. It can improve people’s sleep and an American Study called Exert has shown that exercise may improve memory and slow down mental decline.
Having a diagnosis does not mean people have to stop doing the things they enjoy. There are many activities people can do that will help them to live well with dementia and improve their wellbeing. Having a shared activity can make both the carer and the person with the diagnosis able to enjoy quality time together. Although doing an activity may take longer with a diagnosis people can still get the same enjoyment and satisfaction from continuing doing something that they have been taking part in before they had the diagnosis. There is no reason people affected by dementia cannot try something new and stay socially active. Carers also need to take timeout for themselves as well either reconnecting with an activity they used to do or trying something new. However, leaving a loved one may make a carer feel anxious however there are organisations around who can help look after a loved one to give enabling the carer to have time to themselves. Such as
People can try something new such as yoga, dance or join a walking group. Dementia friendly swimming even an art class or a Singing for the Brain groups run by the Alzheimer’s Society – singing is known to improve mood and wellbeing and is also great fun. The Alzheimer’s Society offers support near you and Age UK offers social activities check out what is available in your area. Many local leisure centres have loads of activities going on, go in and ask for a timetable.
Activities for people in the later stages of dementia.
Despite being in the later stages of dementia people are still able to take part in activities. Simplifying the activity and focussing more on the senses will help the person with dementia continue to take part.
Playing music, having objects to touch and interact with, and hand massage can all help people with dementia in the later stages.
Playlist for Life is a music and dementia charity. It promotes how music with personal meaning can help people with dementia.
Here are some tips for keeping active and involved with a diagnosis of dementia.
- Keep things simple and be prepared for things to take a bit longer than usual.
- Pick a suitable time of day to do the activity and allow plenty of time to get there.
- Allow the person with dementia to take things at their own pace, their abilities may have changed.
- Some days will be better than others just as they are for everyone else.
- Staying connected with people and families is good for confidence and wellbeing. This will also enable family and friends to better understand dementia and its challenges. Providing the opportunity for support in a more meaningful way.
