Benefits of Exercise for People Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia – a group of symptoms rather than a disease in and of itself – affecting the older adult population. Dementia causes serious impairment and consists of a number of symptoms that include loss of memory, judgment and reasoning, as well as changes in mood, behaviour, and communication abilities (Alzheimer Society of Canada, 2010). With the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease on the rise, Canada is expected to have 1,125,200 people with dementia by 2038 (Rising Tide: the Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, 2009), which is approximately 2.8% of Canada’s population. Alternatively, by 2038, there will be 257,800 new cases per year in Canada, or approximately 1 every 2 minutes. Inevitably this is cause for concern, as symptoms can seriously impair activities of daily living (ADL’s) for older adults. It is crucial to prevent or to postpone the onset of this degenerative disease through various means, exercise being the primary focus of this article.

It is already known that Alzheimer’s can progress when brain cells degenerate and die, particularly in the hippocampus (area responsible for learning and memory) and the cerebral cortex. Because exercise is effective at preventing cortical decay and cognitive impairment in older adults, epidemiological studies suggest that physical activity can reduce the risk for developing dementia and can reduce impairment for those already living with Alzheimer’s. According to Kirk I. Erickson and colleagues, there is a triple association with higher fitness levels and hippocampi. After controlling for age, sex, and years of education, these researchers found, with the use of MRIs, that larger hippocampi and higher fitness levels were correlated with better spatial memory performance, which means better memory function in older adults (Erickson, K., et al., 2009).

In addition, aerobic activity, such as walking or jogging, can increase cerebral blood flow, improve cerebral function, and increase beta-endorphin secretion (a hormone associated with pleasurable feelings) (Senior’s Fitness Instructors Course Manual, 1997). This improvement of cerebral function works against the impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease, while having a positive emotional benefit.

Furthermore, Professor Jean Harry and his research team for the Brain, Behavior, and Immunity study found that exercise allows the brain to rapidly produce chemicals that prevent damaging inflammation. Without the prevention of damaging inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease can develop. (Harry, J., et al., 2011). This research promotes voluntary exercise as a natural way to prevent damaging inflammation and severe cognitive impairment, which is beneficial to those living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Clearly, the benefits of exercise for those with Alzheimer’s are prominent, and can positively impact one’s ability to perform ADLs. If you are seeking to take action and encourage an older adult to participate in physical activity, it is crucial to encourage repetitive and familiar movements, such as household tasks. All in all, exercise can positively impact people at any age, and in particular, older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease. So get active and have fun, all while reaping positive health benefits!

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