Page 46 - Seniors Today Febuary 2020

Fitness

Stay fit and

fight dementia

Did you know that exercise can help ward off or
delay the onset of dementia? Girish Balakrishnan
explains

Physical exercise is an important part of a Benefits for dementia patients
healthy lifestyle, contributing to general fitness, Physical exercise should be continued for as
muscle control and coordination, and to a sense long as possible for people with dementia, as
of well-being. Physical exercise is also essential it has been found to have a number of benefits.
for maintaining adequate blood flow to the It can help prevent muscle weakness, mobility
brain and may stimulate brain cell growth and problems and other health complications
survival. Exercise is therefore one of the major associated with inactivity. It can help promote
factors for reducing the risk of developing a normal day-night routine, improve mood and
dementia. Several studies have found that increase social participation.
physical activity in early, mid and late life is Exercise also plays a part in reducing
associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline stress and depression, which are commonly
and dementia. experienced by people with dementia. Repetitive
The benefits of exercise are clear when activity such as walking on a treadmill or using
considering other factors associated with an exercise bike can help reduce anxiety for
the risk of developing dementia. People who people with dementia as there are no decisions
exercise regularly are less likely to experience
heart disease and stroke, both factors that are
associated with an increased risk of developing
dementia. Exercise is also important in reducing
the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes
and obesity, all of which are risk factors for
dementia. Regular aerobic exercise, walking,
at least 30 minutes, is beneficial for cognitive
health. Exercise may improve blood flow to
the brain, reduce cardiovascular risk factors
and possibly stimulate nerve cell growth and Exercise can help reduce stress and depression, common in
survival. people with dementia
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