Can Exercise Protect Cognitive Health or Prevent Alzheimer’s?

EXERCISE & ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

It has been known for many decades that exercising at any age has countless benefits both for physical and emotional health. Studies done around the world have indicated that physical activity can improve brain function and help to avoid cognitive decline due to diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.

The medical community believes that there is a link between staying physically active and avoiding a reduction in mental function capabilities. Exercise is one of the best known ways to help lower the risk factors for cognitive diseases. In addition, physical activity can also help manage other common medical conditions often associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as obesity and depression.

DOES EXERCISE HELP WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

Let’s take a closer look at what exercising a few days a week can do for older people’s cognitive health.

• For people who do not have dementia or Alzheimer’s, staying active can help keep their thinking and learning skills as sharp as possible.
• With older adults who have been diagnosed with mild dementia or Alzheimer’s, exercise can improve overall memory, judgement, and thinking abilities.
• Regular physical activity can delay the onset of cognitive impairment diseases.
• Exercise increases the hippocampus part of the brain that is responsible for memory creation.

THE AWARD WINNING SPARK™ PROGRAM AT FRONTIER

Imagine a program especially designed for seniors regardless of their cognitive condition that provides them many opportunities to not only stay physically active, but also helps them reach their full potential, and spend their days with a sense of joyful purpose.

Spark™ was created as a result of the teachings and research of Maria Montessori and Dr. Cameron Camp. The program provides meaningful and life enhancing experiences for people coping with dementia/Alzheimer’s or those wanting to reap the benefits that exercise can bring to cognitive health.

The program focuses on engaging our residents in creative activities that strive to heighten interaction, optimize mental function skills as well as promote a sense of purpose and accomplishment despite what deficits may be present.