Exercise and Alzheimer's

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Exercise and Alzheimer's

 

RDAD (Reducing Disability in Alzheimer's Disease) A new study was

released supporting the advice that exercise can slow some of the

physical impairment caused by Alzheimer's.

 

Alzheimer's patients who were coached through a home exercise program

by caretakers, who were trained in managing behavioral problems, were

less depressed and in better physical shape than a matched group of

patients who were left to their own devices.This was based on

researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle.

 

This particular researcher study looked at the loss of physical

ability that makes patients more prone to injuries and to lose

mobility, putting additional obstacles on themselves and the people

who look after them.

 

The trial included 153 Seattle-area residents with Alzheimer's

disease. Of these, 76 were assigned to get the normal care for the

disease. The others were given that same care, plus they and the

people who looked after them were also enrolled in a RDAD (Reducing

Disability in Alzheimer's Disease) program developed by university

researchers. For three months, training sessions taught the

caretakers how to get the Alzheimer's patients to do exercises

designed to increase strength, mobility, balance and flexibility. The

program included stretching, bending and simply walking in a straight

line. Some patients worked out with half-pound weights on their

wrists or with elastic bands they pulled apart.

 

These are the simplest possible exercises, says study author Linda

Teri, a professor in the university's department of psychosocial and

community health: " Stretching, bending, even just walking in a

straight line. " Some patients worked out with half-pound weights on

their wrists or with elastic bands they pulled apart.

 

After three months, the patients in the RDAD group were three times

more likely to exercise for at least one hour a week and had two-

thirds fewer days of restricted activity. The physical ability of

those in the RDAD group improved over the next two years, while it

deteriorated in the patients not given the training. And only 19

percent of those in the RDAD group had to be institutionalized in

nursing homes, compared to 50 percent in the other group.

 

Through programs of exercise and caregiver training, such as the one

demonstrated in this study, people with Alzheimer's may be able to

maintain their physical health and share more positive interactions

with their caregivers. It is important to keep patients as busy as

possible, both physically and mentally. This can be a big quality of

life improvement for patients, caregivers and family.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

 

 

References

 

1. Alzheimer's Association Medical and Scientific Advisory Council.

 

2. Alzheimer's Disease Clinic at New York University School of

Medicine.

 

3. Oct. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association .