Exercise

Despite your dementia disease, exercise is still good for your body. It affects you both physically and psychologically. All types of exercise also contribute to keeping the brain active. In recent years there has been a great deal of research into what exercise means for the brain in regards to physical activities and "brain gymnastics" - e.g. whether you are using your brain. When the muscles are used, the blood supply to the muscles increases, even to the brain. Physical activity can also be a preventive measure against feeling down and can actually act to help ward off depression.

Exercise improves your quality of life. Being physically active preserves your muscles and physical condition, and it is recommended that you be physically active for at least 30 minutes each day.

Go for a walk each day and find a good route. Memorising the walk may be helpful later when you have trouble orienting yourself. If you have always done exercise with the same people, then stay in the group. The social connection means that later on, when you need it, you will have good support. But tell your trainer and your group about your disease.

• Go for a walk as often as possible, it stimulates your brain.
• Exercising with others gives the body and soul something to work with.
• Reading and solving crossword puzzles strengthens brain functions.
• Use your community centres to keep active.