Dementia Action Week
Dementia affects nearly half a million Australians, and this number is expected to rise. While there is no cure, there are many ways to improve quality of life and slow the progression of symptoms. One of the most effective—and empowering—strategies is regular, targeted exercise.
Research continues to affirm what many Exercise Physiologists see every day: movement is medicine, especially for individuals living with dementia. Whether it’s walking, resistance training, balance exercises, or high-intensity functional movements, the benefits extend beyond the body—they reach the mind, the mood, and even the memory.
Exercise Improves Cognitive Function
For many families and individuals, the greatest fear with dementia is memory loss and cognitive decline. Fortunately, there’s growing evidence that exercise can positively impact cognitive function in people with various types of dementia.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that structured exercise training leads to small but meaningful improvements in cognitive outcomes among older adults with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (Balbim et al., 2022). These cognitive improvements can help individuals stay engaged in conversations, perform daily tasks with more independence, and remain connected to loved ones for longer.
Quality of Life Gets a Boost
Exercise is not just about preventing falls or building strength (though those are important too). It’s about improving the way people feel each day. Participation in exercise programs has been linked to enhanced mood, reduced agitation, and greater social interaction.
In fact, engaging in exercise—especially when supervised and tailored to individual needs—can empower people living with dementia to reclaim a sense of purpose and routine. These improvements in mental wellbeing often translate into better sleep, reduced depression and anxiety, and a more positive outlook on daily life.
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Physical Benefits: Mobility, Strength & Reduced Fall Risk
People with dementia face a higher risk of falls and related injuries due to changes in coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. The good news? Exercise works.
A meta-analysis by Burton et al. (2015) showed that exercise programs significantly reduce the rate of falls in community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Improved balance, coordination, and lower limb strength can keep people safer at home, enabling them to maintain their independence for longer.
Moreover, high-intensity functional exercise—tailored to a person’s ability—can further improve strength, walking ability, and physical function, even in those with moderate dementia (Yeh et al., 2021).
Slowing the Progression of Disease
While no intervention can stop dementia entirely, exercise offers hope in slowing its progression. By enhancing cerebral blood flow, promoting neuroplasticity, and reducing inflammation, physical activity helps support brain health and resilience.
Studies suggest that regular physical activity may delay the progression of symptoms and reduce the rate of functional decline (Balbim et al., 2022; Yeh et al., 2021). This means more time doing the things you love, with the people you love.
How Exercise Physiologists Can Help
Living with dementia can be complex—and so can exercising with it. That’s where Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) come in.
Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified health professionals who specialise in exercise for chronic conditions, including dementia. They are trained to develop safe, personalised, and evidence-based programs that take into account the cognitive, physical, and emotional needs of each individual.
Whether working one-on-one or in a group, AEPs provide guidance, reassurance, and encouragement—ensuring the exercise program is not only effective, but enjoyable and sustainable.
Final Thoughts
If you or a loved one is living with dementia, it’s never too late to move more. Whether the goal is to improve memory, reduce the risk of falls, or simply enjoy a better quality of life, exercise can make a real and lasting difference.
Reach out to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist today to learn more about how a tailored program can support your journey with dementia.
References
Balbim, G. M., Falck, R. S., Barha, C. K., Starkey, S. Y., Bullock, A., Davis, J. C., & Liu-Ambrose, T. (2022). Effects of exercise training on the cognitive function of older adults with different types of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56(16), 933-940. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2021-104994
Burton, E., Cavalheri, V., Adams, R., Oakley Browne, C., Bovery-Spencer, P., Fenton, A. M., … & Hill, K. D. (2015). Effectiveness of exercise programs to reduce falls in older people with dementia living in the community: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 421–434. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S71665
Yeh, S. W., Lin, L. F., Chen, H. C., Huang, L. K., Hu, C. J., Tam, K. W., … & Hong, C. H. (2021). High-intensity functional exercise in older adults with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 35(2), 169–181. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215520953655
Written By Uplift EP, Nikki Hannah