Exploring the Benefits of Exercise for Dementia and Aging Well-being

This essay discusses the impact of dementia on aging populations and emphasizes the importance of exercise and physical activity in improving the overall health and well-being of affected individuals. It highlights that dementia, characterized by a decline in mental ability, affects millions globally and leads to symptoms like poor memory, communication difficulties, and impaired judgment. The essay argues that exercise, including aerobic, flexibility, and resistance training, is crucial for maintaining muscle control, coordination, and a general sense of well-being. Supporting evidence from various research studies indicates that physical activities enhance blood flow to the brain, encourage neuron growth, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with dementia. The conclusion advocates for continued physical exercise among dementia patients to improve muscle weakness, posture, mobility, reduce stress, and enhance overall quality of life.

Dementia and aging
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Introduction
• Dementia is a general term
that refers to a decline in the
mental ability that is severe
enough to interfere with daily
life of older people (Shah et
al., 2016).
• It is an umbrella term that
describes group of symptoms
related to memory loss.
• It occurs due to physical
changes in the brain.

Epidemiology
• On a global scale, dementia was found to
affect more than 46 million people in the year
2015 (Vos et al., 2016).
• According to research evidences, number of
people suffering from dementia and
Alzhiemer’s disease will reach double of
1,125,184 in next three decades (Jacklin,
Walker & Shawande, 2013).
• It accounted for approximately 1.7 million
death in 2013, compared to 0.8 million people
in 1990s (Abubakar et al., 2013).

Symptoms of dementia in aged population
• Poor memory
• Communication difficulties
• Impairment of judgment and
reasoning
• Visual impairment
• Postural difficulties (Kales, Gitlin &
Lyketsos, 2015)
• Mood swings
• Personality changes
Impaired posture leads to movement
at a slow and steady pace. This
results in poor balance coordination.

Thesis statement
• Exercise and physical activity improve the
overall health and wellbeing of aged
individuals suffering from dementia (Steptoe,
Deaton & Stone, 2015).
• Physical exercise is considered imperative for a
healthy lifestyle and contributes to muscle
control and coordination, general fitness, and
sense of wellbeing.
• Thus, increased focus is being given on
exercise programs in determining their role in
dementia care.

Types of exercise
• Aerobic exercise- These will be
performed at moderate intensities
over a long period of time for at
least 30 minutes each day.
• Flexibility and balance exercise-
These will strengthen the spine and
provide support to the muscles,
thereby improving balance and
coordination (Forbes et al., 2013).
• Weight or resistance training-
These exercise programs will
increase tone of the muscles and
will provide postural support

Supporting evidences
• Physical activities are defined as activities that
facilitate an increase in heart rate and are
needed for maintaining appropriate blood flow
to the brain (Voss et al., 2013).
• Several research activities have been
conducted that establish the benefits of
exercise in improving the physical and mental
health of dementia patients.
• Exercise encourages new growth of neurons
and facilitates their survival (Forbes et al.,
2013).

• Individuals who exercise regularly are at a less
likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular disease
and stroke, both of which are related to increased
risks of dementia (Billinger et al., 2014).
• Prospective studies have shown that high levels
of physical exercise results in reduced cognitive
decline among aged people (Noble et al., 2014).
• Slower rates of loss of neuronal tissue are
observed in the aging individuals who perform
regular exercise and participate in physical
activities (Kirk-Sanchez & McGough, 2014).

Conclusion
• Physical exercise should be
continued in dementia
patients for a prolonged
period of time.
• Potential benefits will thus
involve improvement of
muscle weakness, poor
posture and impaired
mobility.
• It will also help in reducing
stress and enhance the
overall wellbeing of the aged
dementia patients.

References
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(2014). Physical activity and exercise recommendations for stroke survivors: a statement for
healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke
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