Patients, caregivers, and communities have long been searching for ways to slow down the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Research has shown that if we can increase physical activity, we can decrease chronic disease that leads to cognitive impairment. While any kind of exercise can sound intimidating at first, it might be easier (and more fun) than you think to protect your health and try something new. Try these physical and mental exercises to keep your body and mind sharp and slow cognitive impairment as you age.
Physical Exercises
For many years, physicians have been instructing patients to exercise four to five times a week for approximately 30 minutes per day. For many older patients, that was a huge task because of inactive lifestyles, medical conditions, disabilities, risk of falls and safety of environments.
With so many factors limiting exercise and physical activity, providers began to encourage daily activity in general to encourage patients to get moving. There was a shift in focus from going to the gym to walking in the mall before business hours. Large community developments began, including walking paths and larger fitness areas. Fitness centers added walking tracks, swimming pools and gentle stretching classes. Some churches and communities began offering line-dancing classes to popular music and took physical activity to a new and fun level, which everyone can enjoy.
Goals of effective physical activity:
- Make it fun. If it is not fun, you will not do it.
- Make it achievable. Start slow and increase weekly.
- Have an accountability partner. Pick someone who is going make you do it!
- Have a schedule and put it on your calendar.
- Be patient. Measure yourself against yourself, not against what others can do.
Research shows that physical activity decreases the symptoms of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease, helps us sleep better and decreases the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is also shown to increase cognitive health!
Mental Exercises
Exercising your mind is similar to exercising your body. Physical activity increases activity in the brain. Physical and mental exercises both include doing new activities. In 2014, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Texas study showed a new activity increases the capacity of the brain. Both physical and mental exercises are beneficial for your overall health.
Want to exercise your brain? Try these easy mental exercises:
- Try a new hobby (e.g. quilting, kayaking, golfing, fishing, hunting).
- Do homework with your kids or grandchildren.
- Read a biography or autobiography.
- Play a new brain game (e.g. Suduko or a phone app).
- Complete a crossword or word search puzzle.
- Play a board game with your family or friends (competition is also good for the brain).
- Play a game.
- Take a dance class.
- Try a new class at the gym.
Whatever you choose, find something that brings you joy and maybe even creates an opportunity to make new friends.
Create An Exercise Plan That’s Right for You
If you want to create an exercise plan for your body and mind, talking to your primary care doctor about your goals is a great place to start. Our compassionate care team at ACV Health, an outreach of Advent Christian Village, is accepting new patients in Live Oak, Florida. Our mission is to provide comprehensive care in a convenient and familiar environment. You are welcomed with the warmth of a small-town doctor’s office backed by the resources of a larger provider.
Our services range from primary and specialty care to rehabilitation and home health. Through our partner providers at the Copeland Medical Center, we also offer family dentistry, audiology, podiatry and more. Request an appointment today to get started.
