Advantages of exercise for people with dementia

Credit: FUMIGRAPHIK-Photographist/Foter

• Umeå University studied those with dementia living in residential care facilities in Sweden
• Dementia gradually reduces cognitive and physical function
• Research indicated exercise (at high intensity) improves balance
• Increased independence was also noted leading to better mobility or toilet visits
• 186 dementia patients, 16 Umeå residential care facilities were involved
• Future research will look at the effect exercise has on cognitive or walking ability
• Study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society