Dementia is the umbrella term for a range of progressive symptoms that affect the brain affecting memory, problem solving, language and behaviour. In 2020, 3776 males and 6427 females over the age of 65 were diagnosed with Dementia in Leicestershire, a total of 10,203 people. This is estimated to rise by 64.5% in the next 20 years.

Exercise can improve self-sufficiency, self-confidence and cognition and can also help to build or maintain muscle strength and balance, helping people living with dementia maintain their independence for longer. There is also a lot of evidence to show that certain exercises can also be protective against frailty in older age which is often experienced by people living with dementia.

Frequently Asked Questions - Dementia

Can I be active with Dementia?

In short, the answer is yes. There is no definitive answer as to how much you can do, as it will vary from person to person, but it is important to consider what you can safely do. Exercises can be adapted to suit pre-existing conditions.

How can physical activity help?

Taking part in regular exercise is one of the best things that you can do to reduce your risk of getting dementia. At all stages of Dementia, exercise can help you with both physical and mental health, improving overall quality of life by helping with self-esteem and mood. Being physically active can be a social activity if you have dementia or if you are a carer. Exercise helps keep your muscles, joints, and heart in good shape. It also helps you stay at a healthy weight and have regular toilet and sleep habits . Exercise helps your brain in a number of ways by keeping the blood flowing and by increasing chemicals that protect the brain, helping to counter some of the natural reduction in brain connections that occurs with ageing.

Getting active with Dementia: Where to start?

There is no definitive answer to where you should begin, and recommendations will vary from person to person. If you are in the early stages of dementia, you may be able to carry on with your regular physical activity you have been doing and enjoy. In the later stages of dementia, physical activity is still encouraged but will look slightly different. Moving round the home and moving from chair to chair should be encouraged on a daily basis to help maintain muscle strength and flexibility.

Some suitable physical activity suggestions for those living with Dementia:

Exercising while you have dementia can help to keep you self sufficient, help your cognition, and as mentioned above, it can help with strength, flexibility and balance. Examples of exercise that might be suitable for you are:

Gardening
Indoor Bowls/Skittles
Seated Exercises
Swimming
Tai Chi/Qigong
Walking

When to avoid exercising with Dementia:

Physical activity is safe, even when you have symptoms of long-term conditions, such as Dementia. Regular physical activity, in combination with your medical care, is important in the management long-term conditions. However, if you experience a dramatic increase in breathlessness, new or worsening chest pain, a sudden onset of rapid palpitations or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or sudden change in vision, it is important to stop and seek medical advice.

Symptom specific advice:

It is important to consider what you are still able to do or if you have any pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, breathing problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, dizziness or fainting, balance problems or falls. You can check with your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions might prevent some exercise activities. It is important to adapt any activity according to your abilities.

John's Story

"With walking football, we want to put a smile back on the faces of people with Parkinson's." - John

Visit We Are Undefeatable for more information and inspiration on getting active.

Get Active

If you are ready to move more and feel better, there are a range of activities and sessions to help you meet your activity goal. Be sure to find something you enjoy!

Active At Home

Lots of information and ideas on how to keep yourself healthy and active whilst staying at home or working from home.
Getting active, my way: What's near me?

This resource is here to help you find your local parks, open spaces, walking and cycling routes, and give you some ideas on what to do when you get there.
Walk, Run, Cycle, Together

Thinking about having a go at walking, running, or cycling? It's a great way to get out in your local area and move a little more.
Active Referral

Here you will find a range of information to support you in getting active for health reasons.

Resources for Dementia

Dementia Patient leaflet (PDF, 907 Kb)
NHS (Dementia)

A detailed overview of dementia, including the symptoms, importance of diagnosis and further support.
Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society understands all aspects of dementia and help fund support and research for people living with dementia.
Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximising quality care and support.
Dementia UK

Dementia UK are the specialist dementia nursing charity that is here for the whole family. Their nurses, known as Admiral Nurses, provide free, life-changing support and advice to anyone affected by dementia.
World Health Organisation

A detailed explanation of the impact, risk factors, prevention strategies, support and management of dementia.

You are performing the exercises linked from our website at your own risk.

Whilst every effort has been made to verify the information on the dementia page, Active Together is not responsible for the accuracy or content of external websites. Whilst taking part in physical activity, participants should ensure they take part at a level which is appropriate to them and their health and are responsible for ensuring they check the credentials and health and safety requirements for each activity. It is recommended that participants follow the Chief Medical Officers Guidelines for physical activity. Participants will choose to utilise these links and take part in activities at their own risk.

For Healthcare Professionals

It is important to have conversations with those living with dementia about the importance of physical activity. Physical activity as a prevention and treatment for long-term health conditions is a consensus backed by rigorous evidence.

Our Active Medicine page supports local healthcare professionals with promoting the benefits of physical activity, including Physical Activity and Health training, E-Learning resources, and healthy conversation skills.

The fantastic Moving Medicine resource hosts step-by-step guides to have quality conversations with patients about physical activity for Dementia- from 1 - 5 minute conversation opportunities.

References