Being active and getting exercise may help people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias maintain a healthy weight and have regular toilet and sleep habits. If you are a caregiver to a person with dementia, consider exercising together to make it more fun and help maintain your own physical and emotional health.
Check out these tips for helping a person with dementia stay active:
- Make sure he or she wears comfortable clothes and shoes that fit well and are made for exercise.
- Be realistic about how much activity can be done at one time. Several short “mini-workouts” may be best.
- Consider using exercise videos to guide you.
- Use soft rubber exercise balls or balloons for stretching or throwing back and forth.
- Do simple tasks around the home, such as sweeping and dusting.
Find out more about staying active with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias on NIA’s website.
