Exercise is known for reducing the risk of dementia by reducing the risk of developing health conditions that contribute to changes in the brain. Yet there are also significant benefits associated with engaging in physical activity regularly for people who already experience the symptoms of dementia. Thinking about these benefits of exercise for people with dementia can highlight the importance of helping your senior loved one move their body more each day.
Increase Blood Flow to the Brain
If you’ve ever taken a quick walk to work out a solution to a problem or clear your mind, you already know how exercise can boost cognitive functioning. Sending oxygenated blood to the brain helps you think better, and the same effect occurs for people with dementia. Regular exercise also keeps the blood vessels and arteries in the body in better condition, which further ensures your loved one has good blood flow to maintain their thinking and reasoning skills.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted provider of dementia home care. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need more extensive assistance that their families are not able to provide. Companioa by Institute on Aging (IOA) is here to help.
Promote Better Sleep
Seniors with dementia often experience sleep problems. If your loved one has difficulty falling asleep at night or experiences frequent wakings, exercise may help. To improve sleep with exercise, it’s best to avoid working out within a few hours of bedtime. Instead, strive to increase physical activity during the earlier parts of the day, which tires your loved one’s body out so they can relax when it’s time to sleep.
Reduce Anxiety & Agitation
Dementia can also cause emotional and behavioral changes. For instance, your loved one may grow increasingly agitated toward the end of the day. Seniors with dementia may also experience anxiety about the future or during times when they’re confused about what’s happening around them. Exercise releases endorphins in the body that naturally lower anxiety. A senior who exercises during the day is also more likely to be too tired to exhibit the more extreme symptoms of agitation in the evening.
Caring for senior loved ones with dementia can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in dementia care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Families looking for top-rated dementia home care providers can reach out to Companioa by IOA. From specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s home care to our adult day program and personal concierge services, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Boost Self-Confidence
Many seniors are aware of losing their cognitive abilities as they move through the different stages of dementia. Professional caregivers can create workouts that provide your loved one with a goal to work toward. Whether they walk a little further each day or learn how to do a new senior-friendly yoga pose, your loved one will feel their self-esteem increasing with each goal they achieve.
Provide a Healthy Way to Socialize
Socializing gets harder for people with dementia who may not always be able to remember someone’s name or come up with the right words to formulate a response to someone’s questions. Exercising with a caregiver doesn’t require large amounts of conversation. As your loved one works out with other people in a group class or one-on-one with their caregiver, they’ll enjoy being close to other people without the same pressure they might feel to converse in a more formal setting.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care at home. Families can rely on Companioa by IOA to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. We’ll work with you to create a customized care plan suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call us today at (415) 750-4111 to schedule a consultation.