Dementia exercise program improves cognitive symptoms
A dementia exercise therapy program that can easily be done at home improves abilities and quality of life in seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Love to Move is a chair-based exercise program designed for seniors with dementia.
It was developed by the British Gymnastics Foundation (BGF) and inspired by successful programs in Asia.
It’s been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce depression, improve balance, and improve ability to perform everyday tasks.
We explain what the Love to Move program is and how the exercises improve dementia symptoms.
We also share the free instruction booklet BGF created so you can do these simple exercises with your older adult.
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How the Love to Move program helps seniors with dementia
Experts in Japan created chair-based dementia exercise programs to improve the lives of nursing care residents with dementia.
The simple exercises were based on cognitive stimulation, memory arousal, and music.
The results were so positive that the program won full state funding and is now used in every care home across the country.
The BGF was so inspired by the Japanese program’s success that they worked with the program leaders to design UK-based dementia exercise programs using those same principles.
BGF’s pilot program showed amazing results in seniors with dementia:
71% of participants had noticeable physical improvements
86% were socializing more with other residents and staff
93% seemed happier and more settled
100% were easier to connect with
Why exercises for dementia improve ability to perform everyday tasks
The Love to Move program is based on the concept of performing different movements with the right and left sides of the body at the same time.
Basically, it’s like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time.
These types of exercises take a lot of concentration.
When practiced, they increase the ability for the right and left sides of the brain to process information independently of each other.
This increases the number of neural connections and increases cognitive ability.
The Love to Move exercise program has increased seniors’ ability to perform everyday tasks like feeding themselves, engaging in activities, and communicating with family and friends.
Coordination and ability to sit unassisted in a chair was also improved.
Simple at-home dementia exercise programs
BGF has created free online video sessions of their dementia exercise program, with instruction from Lead Deliverer Kim Hall.
They also created a free booklet with 4 essential home exercises from the Love to Move program so older adults everywhere can benefit from this program.
It includes straightforward instructions, example photos, and special tips from Lead Deliverer Kim Hall on how to make the exercises easier and more effective.
Print or save the booklet and give these exercises a try with your older adult.
Next Step Watch and follow the first online BGF Love to Move session or print or save the free dementia exercise program booklet
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By DailyCaring Editorial Team
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