The Importance of Staying Active with Dementia

Dementia is a general term for a group of conditions that impair thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills to a severe enough extent to interfere with daily life. It affects millions of people worldwide and has no known cure. Research has shown that staying physically active can have significant benefits for individuals living with dementia, however. Here at The Creeks Alzheimer's & Dementia Care, our memory care specialists make regular exercise a priority for residents, while naturally understanding that everyone's capabilities are different. By promoting an active lifestyle, we can help improve seniors' overall well-being and enhance their quality of life.

The benefits of exercise for those struggling with dementia include enhanced cognitive function and reduced behavioral/psychological symptoms. Exercise stimulates the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons which boost memory and cognitive abilities. Even simple activities like walking and stretching can help maintain mental sharpness and slow down cognitive decline. It also releases endorphins, the body's natural mood-boosting chemicals, to help alleviate agitation, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity is obviously good for the body as well, and there is a strong correlation between the body's well-being and the mind's, especially as we age. By staying active, individuals can maintain their independence and general quality of life for longer with improved mobility and less risk of falls.

It is clear that encouraging and facilitating physical activity for individuals with dementia should be an integral part of their care plan. If you or an aging loved one are beginning to show signs of Alzheimer's or other memory loss issues, reach out to us for more tips on how to slow its progression. Our dementia care facility is eager to assist those in the Castro Valley, Los Gatos, and San Jose, CA areas and beyond!