Research Corner - Q&A Dementia by Mike Demora | Date Released : 10 Jul 2002 0 comments Print Close Question: I am working with people who have dementia. Are there any sources to help with exercise? Answer: My heart goes out to you. There is little to no research I can find about dementia and exercise. The only articles I can find were written by individuals who have tried certain things with their clients with Alzheimer’s Disease. The only consistent theme I can pick up from the articles is to make things simple and fun. You should try to avoid any and all confrontations. Many people who have dementia become extremely angry extremely easily. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are very similar. Frontal lobe dementia is a condition where the nerve cells in the brain become impaired. Every day tasks become challenging because the short-term memory is affected so greatly. Exercise routines that are fun and simple keep your clients moving and take their minds off of their problems for a while. Group exercise classes should be done with short routines and should not have complicated step combinations. Moving and laughing are two of the most important attributes of a successful program. I would focus on simple movement drills, agility ladder, dance steps and balance drills. This will keep your clients active and self sufficient for as long as possible. I hope this is of some help. Good luck. Back to top About the author: Mike Demora Mike DeMora has been in the industry 15 years but has kept himself hidden away in Southern California for most of this time. He decided to accept the position as Director of Education for the National College of Exercise Professionals and has not looked back. Mike is a Board Certified Exercise Therapist (NETABOC.org) and has a Master's degree in Sports Science and Education. Full Author Details Related content Content from Mike Demora Tribulus Terrestris and Ginkgo Biloba Scott Pullen | Articles Calcification of Femur Mike Demora | Articles No Thyroid and Weight Loss Mike Demora | Articles Gymnastics and Stunted Growth Mike Demora | Articles Weight Training and Youth Mike Demora | Articles Effect of Temperature on Performance Mike Demora | Articles Lyme Disease Mike Demora | Articles Teenage Track Athletes Mike Demora | Articles High Heart Rate with Exercise Mike Demora | Articles Thyroid and Weight Loss Mike Demora | Articles Cardiomyopathy Mike Demora | Articles Diarrhea and Running Mike Demora | Articles Dementia Mike Demora | Articles Horse Riding and Muscle Imbalances Mike Demora | Articles Red Marks from Lifting Weights Mike Demora | Articles Shin Splints Mike Demora | Articles Allergies and Exercise Mike Demora | Articles Females Running: Impact Issues Mike Demora | Articles Red Tingling Hands Mike Demora | Articles Mild Kyphosis Mike Demora | Articles Torn Cartliage Mike Demora | Articles Yawning During Exercise Mike Demora | Articles Swollen Fingers, Red Hands Mike Demora | Articles Hip Dysplasia Mike Demora | Articles Osgood-Schlatter Mike Demora | Articles Crash Diet Dangers Mike Demora | Articles Freestyle Training for Spot Reduction Mike Demora | Articles Emphysema Mike Demora | Articles Patella Femoral Syndrome and Squatting Mike Demora | Articles Chondromalacia and Exercises Mike Demora | Articles Graves Disease Mike Demora | Articles Leg Surgery: Low Impact Exercises Mike Demora | Articles Gout in Elbow Mike Demora | Articles Pear Shaped Female Runners Part 1 Mike Demora | Articles Pear Shaped Female Runners Part 2 Mike Demora | Articles Tips for Spotting Mike Demora | Articles Running: Sports Specific Training for 800m Mike Demora | Articles Muscle Twitches Mike Demora | Articles Politeus Muscle: Exercises Mike Demora | Articles Crepitus "Cracking" in Joints Mike Demora | Articles Big Legs and Thighs Mike Demora | Articles Breathing During Exercise Mike Demora | Articles Electric Muscle Stimulators Mike Demora | Articles Brown Adipose Tissue Mike Demora | Articles Achilles Tendon Surgery, Decreased ROM Mike Demora | Articles Glandular Fever Mike Demora | Articles Plantar Fasciitis Mike Demora | Articles Lower Cross Syndrome Mike Demora | Articles Blind Client: Training Programs Mike Demora | Articles Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Mike Demora | Articles Hypertension Mike Demora | Articles Encephalitis Mike Demora | Articles Cold Hands Mike Demora | Articles Leg Burn when Changing from Running to Cycling Mike Demora | Articles Large Stomachs Mike Demora | Articles Stitch Mike Demora | Articles Water Polo Mike Demora | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top