The benefits of regular exercise in people with Alzheimer’s disease include maintenance of motor skills, decreased falls, and reduced rate of functional 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 or nonexercise community activities. Researchers have found that patients who were treated with exercise showed less depression than those in the control groups and showed marked improvements in physical functioning.
Physical therapy plays an important role in exercise for patients with Alzheimer’s disease by tailoring routines to meet the individual needs of each patient.
You can start out with simple balance activities and increase the difficulty as your balance improves. Improving your balance takes practice. One simple exercise can be done and modified as your skill level improves. Read on to learn how to improve your balance starting today.
Beginner
Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a countertop. Lightly grasp the chair or countertop with your fingertips. Raise one leg a foot off the ground. Maintain your balance while standing on one leg. Hold for a count of 10 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. Perform five times on each leg.
Intermediate
Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a countertop for safety only. Without holding onto the chair or countertop raise one leg a foot off the ground. Maintain your balance while standing on one leg. Hold for a count of 10 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. Perform five times on each leg.
Advanced
Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a countertop for safety only. Close both eyes. Without holding onto the chair or countertop raise one leg a foot off the ground. Maintain your balance while standing on one leg. Hold for a count of 10 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. Perform five on each leg.
Your physical therapist can also show you which balance exercises may be best for you.
DancingYogaGardeningHouseworkBowlingBikingTai Chi
Many physical therapist clinics offer group exercise classes. This has the added benefit of socialization during exercise, which can keep you motivated while getting in your exercise.
