Exercise can be boring and many of us would rather do something else with our “free” time. However, a significant number of us – with or without dementia – find that once we start on an exercise routine, we’ll continue on to try to complete our goal for that day. Most of us will also acknowledge that we feel better after we’ve had a good workout, as long as the exercise is suited to our physical health.

Today, more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. By 2025, the number is expected to reach seven million, and by 2050, 14 million people if a cure or prevention for AD is not found. If something as simple as exercise can help people stay independent longer, that’s wonderful news. If starting to exercise earlier in the process could prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease, that’s even better news.

Those of us who want to stay healthy will surely have to take a look at some type of exercise. Even brisk walking has been shown to have excellent benefits when done regularly, and no equipment is required other than some good shoes. Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that the exercise you choose is right for you, but do try to choose something. The health rewards could be huge.

For more information about Carol visit  www.mindingourelders.com or www.mindingoureldersblogs.com.   

Sources:

Searing, L (2013, April 22) Exercise may help slow loss of physical abilities in people with dementia. Retrieved from  http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/exercise-may-help-slow-alzheimers-related-loss-of-physical-abilities/2013/04/22/7367c852-a85a-11e2-b029-8fb7e977ef71_story.html

Kinoshita, A.  (2012, June 27) Exercise is key in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Retrieved from  http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-06/asfb-eik061312.php