Benefits of exercise and physical activity

Exercise and physical activity may bring many benefits 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
• improving confidence
• increasing self-esteem
• improving mood.