Exercise makes a difference for Alzheimer’s patients

The results of three new medical trials presented at the 2015 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in July offers hope that aerobic exercise may be the way for patients with memory loss to improve their quality of life. The studies provide evidence that regular physical activity may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.Previous studies have shown healthy older adults who exercise show improved cognition, but until recently, it was not known if physical exercise could have an impact on the physical changes in brain activity of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s.“These findings also highlight the potential value of non-drug therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and remind us that research ought to adamantly pursue combination and multi-modal approaches to Alzheimer’s therapy and prevention,” said Maria Carrillo, PhD, Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer.Mandy Otto, life enrichment director for Cambrian in Tecumseh, has seen the positive affect of exercise with residents of Cambrian Memory Care. “Exercise gives us the same endorphins as the sunshine. Being outside and being in the sun makes us all feel good,” Otto said. “As their mood improves during the day, the residents sleep better.”Otto’s memory of her grandfather inspires her work with residents of Cambrian Memory Care. After a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, her grandfather was placed in a nursing home where he spent the end of his life shut away in his room with no exercise and limited social contact.“I do what I do in memory of my grandfather,” said Otto. “I’ve also started the Alzheimer’s support group at Cambrian in partnership with Alzheimer’s Association.”Every morning, Otto exercises with the residents. Although many of them come feeling sleepy, the aerobic activity wakes them up.“I have a great attendance,” she said. “I would say most of the residents come and attend, and are more active throughout the rest of the day.”Morning exercise has improved communication for residents. According to Otto, a hallmark of memory loss is not finishing sentences, and the ability to articulate needs and wants makes life easier for residents and those providing care.Movement exercises are very popular with residents. “I teach Zumba at least one day a week,” said Otto. “They respond well to Zumba thanks to muscle memory. The repetitive routine is remembered by their muscles.”Dancing is also a crowd pleaser at Cambrian. According to Otto, the generation she now works with regularly attended dances, and many met their partners while dancing.“They really respond when we have music in the background,” she said. “They love dance. I try to find what people liked to do and bring that in. We have a walking group, too.”Even before the results of the trials were announced at the AAIC, Otto was seeing a difference in the residents with the addition of regular exercise. “I have seen improvements in residents,” said Otto. “I do hear often from families that they are amazed at all the things we are doing, and how active their family members are.”The evidence presented at the convention supports the guidance from the Alzheimer’s Association highlighting regular physical activity as one of several proactive steps people can take to reduce their risk of cognitive decline. There is a growing body of evidence that certain lifestyle choices, such as staying mentally active, eating a heart-healthy diet and staying socially engaged, can slow cognitive decline as people age.As people live longer, the risk for memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia increases. The Alzheimer’s Association now offers “10 Ways to Love Your Brain,” with recommendations on how to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.“Staying active will allow us to live longer and is a preventative,” Otto said. “Exercise is great for everyone.”For more information on the studies presented at the Alzheimer’s convention, visit www.alz.org/aaic.