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Posted on: 04.05.2022

Benefits Of Walking With Dementia

Throughout our lives, we are told of the many benefits that walking can have on our overall health. From helping to keep excess weight at bay, reducing heart rate, improving the cardiovascular system amongst other benefits.
When living with dementia, the benefits increase once more. So why is it equally as important to get a walk in a couple of times a week, even after a diagnosis?

Keeping Healthy

There are varying stages of dementia, and no two people living with dementia will have the same experiences. Whatever the experiences are, maintaining, or even starting a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the impact that dementia can home. This includes regular walking.

Cognitive Function

One of the many benefits includes improving cognitive function. While we are aware that one of the biggest impacts that dementia can have on an individual is cognitive decline, very few are aware that walking can help to combat this.
While there is no sure way of stopping the decline, improving health through walking is likely to slow the decline.

Creating Routine

Walking a number of times a week, at the same time and on the same days can help with routine. While the health benefits will also be vital, keeping a routine will again reduce the effects of dementia.
This routine can help the individual create a sense of normality to their week, that they may otherwise lose.

Weight Maintenance

Unfortunately, while not a direct result of dementia, those who are living with dementia will often find that their weight starts to increase too. While walking has great benefits on the cognitive functions that are affected by dementia. It will also greatly improve weight management, particularly when walking becomes a part of the resident’s daily activities.

General Health Benefits Of Walking

Even for those residents who aren’t living with dementia, we greatly encourage those who can get up and do some daily walking. There are a number of health benefits for all who get involved.

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes
  • Improve cardiovascular fitness
  • Strengthen your bones and muscles
  • Improve muscle endurance
  • Increase energy levels
  • Improve mood, cognition, memory and sleep
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Strengthen immune system
  • Reduce stress and tension

If you or your loved ones are living with dementia, and are interested in moving into one of our luxury care homes, such as Twyford House Alsager and Charlotte House Bebbington please get in touch with a member of our team today who will be happy to assist you.