When a group of symptoms affect the brain, the disorder is termed dementia. Dementia itself is not a disease, according to Medline Plus. Instead, it defines the limitations a person undergoes, typically involving coordination, thinking and responding. Personality change, memory loss and multi-tasking may be difficult for people with dementia. Over-stimulation, such as too many new exercises or noise in the room can prove to be too much for dementia patients.
Benefits
The effects of exercise for people with dementia are just as vital as they are for healthy adults. Improved strength and cardiovascular health are two important benefits derived from regular exercise. Additionally, according to the Mayo Clinic, exercise routines can help dementia patients ward off bouts of depression, common in those with brain dysfunction. Exercise can help to retain flexibility and improve motor skills, which also become affected when the brain does not operate properly.
Routines
Routines are particularly beneficial for people with dementia. They remain calmer and in better spirits when they are allowed to maintain routines and keep up with activities they've always enjoyed, according to the Alzheimer's Society. Rather than pushing people with dementia to take on new exercise programs or to increase the intensity of their workouts, it may be more prudent to allow patients to continue with the level of movement to which they are accustomed. Too many changes and the pressure of learning new exercises can be overwhelming and lead to setbacks.
Environment
People with dementia often become rattled or disoriented when there is too much going on in a room. Exercise rooms or fitness centers that accommodate large groups of people working out on different machines and making a lot of noise can be disruptive. Loud music can distract a person with dementia so that he cannot continue with his exercises and could lead to imbalance or agitation. Exercising in a quiet location alone or in a very small, quiet group often is more beneficial.
Enough
Even low intensity or moderate exercise in the form of tasks can provide many of the physical and mental benefits that a high-impact aerobic workout can for people with dementia, especially older patients. Any kind of movement is better than no exercise, according to the School of Aging Studies at the University of South Florida. Appropriate exercise can include gardening, walking, housework and swimming. Dementia patients should be encouraged to continue with sports at which they developed skills in the past, rather than be pushed into learning new forms of exercise.
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