The Alzheimer’s Association has released another statement about the benefits of cardio vascular fitness for people with dementia. In addition to better blood flow to the brain and general health improving, the risk of falls is affected in a positive way. The focus of this announcement has to do with caregivers providing a fitness program at home. I wonder how many caregivers for someone with dementia have a chance to do this for his or her client or family member.
One of the areas of the brain that seems to deteriorate as much from lack of use as from the disease is used for spatial relations and balance. Physical exercise like walking can preserve this part of the brain and falls are prevented in the first months and on an ongoing curve.
Falls are what take people out of the home, Each year, about one in three Americans aged 65 and older suffers a fall, and 30 percent of those falls cause injuries that require medical treatment. In 2005, almost 16,000 older adults in the United States died from falls, 1.8 million were treated in emergency departments, and 433,000 were hospitalized
If you are a caregiver, or if you have a caregiver, it is probably beneficial for both of you to have a talk about adding exercise to your routine. Part of the talk should be about what kind of exercise you both enjoy. If you don’t like it, it’s harder to keep it on the daily schedule. One strategy for more impaired people is to begin walks in a specific route, so that if the person wanders, he will trace the rehearsed route home. Choosing a path that is low in hazards like aggressive dogs and broken sidewalks is wise. Stopping to chat with people on that route can provide a system of acquaintances for recognizing a wanderer and sometimes even returning him home. Exercise, increased safety and improved social contacts, stress reduction, improved sleep. And the caregiver gets the same benefits.
Remember to stay hydrated, check the feet for skin breaks and nail safety. Use sunscreen in the daytime. Now go enjoy a walk.