Alzhemer's Disease and Exercise

Many studies have shown that exercise is beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease. Along with cardiovascular fitness, increased endurance, and strength, people with Alzheimer’s disease get added benefits from exercising.

Benefits of regular exercises in people with Alzheimer's disease include maintenance of motor skills, decreased falls, and reduced rate of disease associated mental decline. Improved behavior, improved memory, and better communication skills are a few other benefits associated with routine exercise programs in Alzheimer's disease.

Flexibility, balance, and strength exercises have been studied in patients with Alzheimer's disease versus medical management alone. At the end of the study, the patient's who were treated with both exercise and medical management were less depressed than those in the other group, and showed marked improvements in their physical functioning.

Physical therapy plays an important role in exercises for patients with Alzheimer's disease by tailoring routines to meet the individual needs of each patient.