Benefits of exercise and physical activity for people with dementia.
These include:
improving the health of the heart and blood vessels, which can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease
reducing the risk of some types of cancer (particularly breast and colon cancer), stroke and type 2 diabetes
improving physical fitness - maintaining strong muscles and flexible joints can help people maintain independence for longer
improving the ability to dress, clean, cook and perform other daily activities (as these may be performed more effectively if someone is fitter or more supple)
helping to keep bones strong and reducing the risk of osteoporosis (a disease that affects the bones, making them weak and more likely to break)
improving cognition - recent studies have shown that exercise may improve memory and slow down mental decline
improving sleep
providing opportunities for social interaction and reducing the feeling of isolation
reducing the risk of falls by improving strength and balance