Exercise for Dementia Patients to Help in Recovery

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Exercising can give the same kind of benefits to both a normal person as well as a person suffering from dementia. The benefits of exercising are many. It improves mood and sleep, helps in maintenance of motor skills, reduces the risk of falls by improving strength and balance, improves memory and improves behavior by reducing the rate of wandering and acting aggressively.

Startup Requirements
Appropriate exercises must be chosen for people with dementia. These exercises should not only help to compensate for the lost abilities but should also provide an opportunity to enjoy and also promote self esteem. The working area that is chosen should be safe for the patient. The surfaces should be uncluttered with very few distractions and very less noise. The lighting must be adequate and seating and working areas should be perfect. The time for exercising should be fixed keeping in mind the time of the day when the patient is at their best.

Various Forms of Exercise
There are various types of exercises that can be performed by these patients. Walking is the best exercise. Combining walking with an errand, such as buying milk, will be excellent. Cycling helps in sitting upright and controlling the bike. If the patient has problems in balancing, he/ she can be given a three-wheeled bicycle. Exercising in the gym will include working out on treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. If aerobics is the chosen exercise then low-impact aerobic workouts should be done. Other forms of exercise which do are not structured exercises are dancing, gardening and housework. The type of exercise varies for patients with mild dementia and patients at a later stage of dementia.

Measures for Safety
Before starting the exercise programmed the patient's doctor must be consulted to check if the patient is fit for the exercise regime. A physiotherapist will be the best person to design a programmed which will suit the abilities of the patient. Start slowly. Instructions should be given clearly and calmly. The exercises should not last for more than 20 minutes. If the patient enjoys exercising then it can be done twice a day. The exercises should be demonstrated first and then repeated by the patient. The activities should be mixed up to avoid boredom. Most important of all, ensure that the patient drinks a lot of water before, during and after the exercise.

Activities for Dementia, along with other exercises, play a significant role in dealing with these patients. They help in keeping the patient calm and occupied. 

Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/exercise-for-dementia-patients-to-help-in-recovery-7080045.html

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