By Gabe Sanders Ph.D., NSCA-CSCS
Many people hear the word “dementia” and they think of a crazy old person that cannot remember anything. The reality is that dementia is a neurodegenerative disease that more often than not occurs to people as they age, along with other factors.
Other factors that may contribute to dementia can be the result of other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and many other brain-related diseases. The big question for researchers and physicians is how to stop or slow age-related neurodegenerative diseases?
Strength and Aerobic exercise improves cognitive and physical function
A lot of research suggests that both strength and aerobic exercise are beneficial in improving cognitive and physical function in dementia patients. Interestingly, exercise is likely more effective than social connections, alone, in this group of people.
The psychological improvements to exercise have been found to occur on a biochemical level with as little as four weeks of intense exercise. Four weeks of exercise have been shown to improve serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is a critical genetic component required to make neural connections in the brain and spinal cord. Although research has not been able to identify if these improvements are long-term or preventative for dementia patients, it does provide some hope for holistic medicine.
There will be limitations, but improvements will occur
Intense exercise for neurodegenerative disease patients will be widely different based on a myriad of physical and psychological factors for each patient. Exercise practitioners working with brain-related special populations must consider the previous history of exercise, orthopedic limitations such as knee and hip replacements, cognitive ability to rhythmically exercise, or the ability to comprehend instructions.
In terms of weight training, weight machines are critical as they are more structured and guided to prevent injury to the patient. Any use of free weights or dumbbells is usually not recommended for most dementia patients.
In the end, the key is to get started. Improvements will occur and it is always helpful for patients to point out improvements!
**Before starting any exercise regimen, consult with your physician and/or medical healthcare provider
***For an individualized structured exercise program, consult with certified exercise practitioners and/or exercise physiologist
Article’s Sources
Bossers, Willem JR, et al. “Feasibility of a combined aerobic and strength training program and its effects on cognitive and physical function in institutionalized dementia patients. A pilot study.” PloS one 9.5 (2014): e97577.
Bossers, Willem JR, et al. “A 9-week aerobic and strength training program improves cognitive and motor function in patients with dementia: a randomized, controlled trial.” The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 23.11 (2015): 1106-1116.
Liu, I-Ting, et al. “Therapeutic effects of exercise training on elderly patients with dementia: a randomized controlled trial.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 101.5 (2020): 762-769.
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