September represents World Alzheimer’s month and as we recognise World Alzheimer’s day on the 21st of September, it’s vital to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and other associated dementias.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease;
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) makes up the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder which impacts individuals living with the disease ability to reason, plan, learn new skills and prioritize which can lead to interference and limitation of an individual’s ability to carry out daily activities.
Although it is World Alzheimer’s day it’s also important to acknowledge the other types of dementia’s individuals in Australia live with these include Vascular dementia, Younger onset dementia, Lewy body dementia’s, Frontotemporal dementia, Alcohol-related brain injury (inc. Korsakoff Syndrome), HIV-associated dementia, Chronic-traumatic encephalopathy dementia and Childhood dementia (Dementia Australia).
Data from the AIHW in 2023 reports 411, 100 people in Australia live with some form of dementia. The prevalence is significantly greater among women with 257,500 women reported to live with some form of dementia compared to the 153,700 men reported living with the disease thus equivalent to 15 per 1,000 Australians live with dementia.
How exercise therapy can be used to help individuals living with AD?
Physical activity for everyone is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle however exercise specifically for individuals living with AD has been effective at improving cognitive function, activities of daily living and reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms. Exercise can become a vital tool for individuals living with AD to maintain independence, balance, mobility and improve global functionality (1).
There is no consensus of the best modality of exercise for AD however multi-factorial exercise modalities can play an important role in improving the overall wellbeing and daily life of individuals living with AD (1).
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic modalities of exercise can play a pivotal role in managing Alzheimer’s symptoms. Engagement in activities such as walking and cycling can increase cognitive function, ability to perform activity of daily living, improvements in quality of life and decreases in neurological and depressive symptoms presenting holistic benefits beyond physical health (1).
Strength Training
Adding resistance training into individuals living with AD exercise regimen can play an essential role in significantly improving movement at home including climbing stairs, reducing falls risk and preserving muscle mass. Strength exercise using resistance bands, weights or bodyweight has been shown to lead to improvements in cognitive function and pathological changes in disease activity (1).
Balance Training
Impaired balance can become a common symptom of individuals living with AD and other dementia’s which can significantly impact daily activities and falls risk. Balance specific exercise can include single leg standing or Tai Chi which can enhance proprioception and coordination. Dual-tasking activities can also challenge individuals living with Alzheimer’s body and brain to coordinate movements thus improving cognitive function and motor control. Improvements in balance may also allow individuals living with Alzheimer’s to build confidence and safety within their surroundings to help enhance independence within their daily lives (2).
Contact us!
If you or someone you know has AD and is unsure whether they should commence or continue with exercise and physical activity with their current symptoms or conditions, chat to us! Exercise Physiologists have the knowledge and expertise to provide a tailored exercise program or physical activity plan to suit people of all backgrounds and ages to support their physical and social wellbeing.
Want to talk to one of our team and find out how we can support you and your goals? Contact us today!
Written by Uplift Exercise Physiologist, Annalise Norton
References:
- Exercise therapy to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease, click here for more information.
- Effectiveness of balance training exercise in people with mild to moderate severity Alzheimer’s disease: protocol for a randomised trial, click here for more information.
