Dementia is a challenging condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure, research has shown that regular exercise can significantly benefit those living with dementia. This article explores the benefits of exercise for individuals with dementia and provides guidance on creating a tailored exercise program for your loved one.
The benefits of exercise for people with dementia
1. Improved cognitive function
Regular aerobic exercise can enhance cognitive function in people with dementia. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2017) found that participants engaging in aerobic exercise showed improvements in memory, attention, and executive function compared to those who did not exercise (Smith et al., 2017).
2. Reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms
Exercise has been shown to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. According to a study from the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (2014), regular physical activity significantly reduced these symptoms, leading to an improved quality of life for both people experiencing dementia and their care partners (Livingston et al., 2017).
3. Delayed progression of symptoms
Physical activity can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Research published in The Lancet Neurology (2018) suggested that exercise helps maintain cognitive function and daily living skills for a longer period (Law et al., 2020).

4. Improved physical health and mobility
Maintaining physical health is crucial for people with dementia. Exercise improves mobility, balance, and strength, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall physical health (Forbes et al., 2015).
5. Enhanced quality of life
A comprehensive review in International Psychogeriatrics (2019) concluded that physical exercise enhances the quality of life for people with dementia. Both aerobic and resistance training exercises positively impact mood, reduce the burden of disease, and improve social interactions (Lautenschlager et al., 2008).
Creating a tailored exercise program
Creating a tailored exercise program for your loved one with dementia involves considering their physical abilities, cognitive status, and personal preferences as well as past experiences with exercise. Here are some steps to help you design an effective program:
1. Assess physical and cognitive abilities
Before starting an exercise program, assess your loved one’s physical and cognitive abilities. Consult with healthcare professionals to understand their limitations and capabilities.
Remember: people experiencing dementia are losing memory, thinking and attention skills. These skills help them to prioritize and to remember the steps in a process as well as to direct their own attention. This means that you will need to find ways to make exercise fun and you will be more successful if you do the exercises with them, yourself. If you want to try something like yoga, you will also need to be mindful of asking them to complete only one step at a time.
2. Choose appropriate activities
Select exercises that match their abilities and interests. Activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi are excellent choices. Walking is particularly beneficial as it is low-impact and easy to incorporate into daily routines. Research from the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2018) found that regular walking for more than six months significantly improved memory and executive function (Erickson et al., 2018).
Note that a person who participated in something like Yoga before the onset of dementia may have an easier time with the positions because they will have some muscle memory from past practice. If you are trying to introduce an activity that is new to them you will need to model each position and keep it simple. If it is too much or they lose interest, find ways to incorporate simple movements like walking or stretching into their day.

As another example, consider UK resident Peter Berry who is living well with early onset dementia. Peter has always loved cycling and continues to do a considerable amount of biking on a regular bicycle as well as a penny farthing. He and his friend, Deb Bunt have written a book about his life experiences called, “Slow Puncture: Living Well with Dementia.” Visit his website (peter-berry.com) to learn more or check out this video about Peter.
3. Establish a routine
Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of exercise. Establish a routine that includes regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Break it into shorter sessions if necessary.
4. Ensure safety
Ensure the exercise environment is safe. Remove any obstacles that could cause falls and ensure the space is well-lit. Model the exercises and provide assistance to prevent injuries if necessary.
5. Incorporate social interaction
Exercise can be more enjoyable and motivating when done with others. Encourage participation in group activities or find exercise buddies. Social interaction can boost mood and provide emotional support.
Note: People experiencing dementia may resist taking part in group activities because they are afraid of the embarrassment that comes from failing at conversation with others. Visit our article, “Dementia and the Conversation” to get tips on how you can support someone in conversation. Plan to participate in any group exercise session with them so that you can provide help when needed.
6. Monitor progress and adjust
Regularly monitor your loved one’s progress and adjust the exercise program as needed. Be attentive to their responses to different activities and modify the routine to keep it engaging and effective.
7. Most important: Focus on making it fun
Remember to keep it fun and positive. They may not remember what you did but they will remember the sense that they have fun with you when you walk or exercise together.
Conclusion
Exercise is a powerful tool in managing dementia. It can improve cognitive function, reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms, delay the progression of symptoms, enhance physical health, and improve the quality of life. By creating a tailored exercise program that considers your loved one’s abilities, preferences and past experience, you can help them stay active and healthy.
Bibliography
- Smith, P. J., Blumenthal, J. A., Hoffman, B. M., Cooper, H., Strauman, T. A., Welsh-Bohmer, K., & Browndyke, J. N. (2017). Aerobic exercise and neurocognitive performance: a meta-analytic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 57(1), 157-165.
- Livingston, G., Sommerlad, A., Orgeta, V., Costafreda, S. G., Huntley, J., Ames, D., … & Mukadam, N. (2017). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet, 390(10113), 2673-2734.
- Law, C. K., Lam, F. M., Chung, R. C., & Pang, M. Y. (2020). Physical exercise attenuates cognitive decline and reduces behavioral problems in people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review. Journal of Physiotherapy, 66(1), 9-18.
- Forbes, D., Forbes, S. C., Blake, C. M., Thiessen, E. J., & Forbes, S. (2015). Exercise programs for people with dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4(CD006489).
- Lautenschlager, N. T., Cox, K. L., Flicker, L., Foster, J. K., van Bockxmeer, F. M., Xiao, J., … & Almeida, O. P. (2008). Effect of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults at risk for Alzheimer disease: a randomized trial. JAMA, 300(9), 1027-1037.
- Erickson, K. I., Raji, C. A., & Lopez, O. L. (2018). Physical activity predicts gray matter volume in late adulthood: The Cardiovascular Health Study. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 65(1), 91-105.
By integrating these research insights and practical tips, you can help your loved one with dementia stay active and enjoy a better quality of life.
What type of exercise is best for dementia?
The best exercise for a person experiencing dementia all depends on the person’s physical health and their past experiences and interests. The easiest answer could be walking. If they are unable to walk, look for exercises and stretches that can be done in a sitting or reclined position. If someone has participated in a physical activity or sport in the past like biking, Yoga or Tai Chi, they may be able to continue with that activity because they will have a certain amount of muscle memory.
Keep in mind, dementia takes away the ability to remember steps in a process, so any exercise program that involves ordered steps should be modeled one step at a time so that the person can follow along more easily. As a care partner, you will have the most success if you exercise alongside your loved one, modeling steps and narrating what is happening for them when needed. They will also need your support in conversation if you are exercising with a group. Additionally, remember that someone experiencing dementia is losing the ability to initiate activities for themselves. Their seeming lack of interest may be because of this and so, they will need you to instigate movement that you know they will enjoy. Most importantly, make it fun! They may not remember exactly what you did but they will remember that they have fun with you.
