Why Is Exercise and Movement Important for Someone With Dementia?

Movement is important at every stage of life, including after a person develops dementia.

For someone living with dementia, physical activity can support strength, balance, mobility, mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Physical activity may also support some aspects of cognitive health.

But movement does not have to mean going to a gym or following a formal exercise program.

For a person with dementia, walking, dancing, stretching, gardening, folding laundry, sweeping, tossing a ball, or simply moving to music can all be meaningful ways to stay active.

Why does movement matter?

Regular physical activity can help a person with dementia maintain strength and physical function.

Movement may also help with:

• Balance and mobility
• Muscle strength
• Cardiovascular health
• Mood and emotional well-being
• Sleep and daily routines
• Maintaining independence
• Healthy weight
• Regular bowel and bladder habits
• Overall quality of life

Physical activity may also benefit some aspects of cognition in people living with dementia.

The National Institute on Aging notes that physical activity may help people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias feel better, maintain a healthy weight, and maintain regular toilet and sleep habits. It also recommends adapting activities to the person's abilities and considering several shorter periods of activity rather than expecting one long workout.

Exercise doesn't have to look like exercise

One of the most important things to remember is that movement can be built into everyday life.

A person may not want to “exercise,” but they may enjoy:

• Taking a walk
• Dancing to familiar music
• Gardening
• Watering plants
• Folding laundry
• Sweeping
• Dusting
• Tossing a soft ball
• Stretching
• Walking around the house
• Doing simple household tasks
• Moving their arms or feet while seated
• Participating in a favorite hobby that involves movement

The National Institute on Aging specifically recommends activities such as walking, dancing, gardening, household tasks, stretching, and using soft balls or household objects for movement.

Sometimes the best exercise is simply an activity the person is willing to do.

Look at the person, not the exercise plan

A formal exercise routine may work well for one person and be frustrating for another.

Consider the person's:

• Physical abilities
• Mobility
• Balance
• Energy level
• Interests
• Past activities
• Cultural and personal preferences
• Time of day when they are most alert
• Current stage of dementia
• Comfort level

Think about what the person used to enjoy doing.

Someone who spent years gardening may be more interested in watering plants or working with soil than doing a traditional workout.

Someone who loved dancing may respond to familiar music.

Someone who enjoyed walking may appreciate a short walk around the neighborhood or inside the building.

Familiar activities can make movement feel purposeful rather than like a task they are being asked to complete.

Short periods of movement count

It can be tempting to think that exercise only “counts” if someone does it for a long period of time.

That's not necessarily the best approach for someone with dementia.

A person may have difficulty staying focused or physically active for an extended period.

Instead of expecting one long exercise session, try several shorter periods of movement throughout the day.

For example:

1. 1Morning

   Take a short walk.

2. 2Afternoon

   Dance to two favorite songs.

3. 3Evening

   Do a few gentle stretches while seated.

These small opportunities for movement can become part of the person's normal routine.

The National Institute on Aging specifically suggests that several short “mini workouts” may be more realistic than one longer session for people with dementia.

What if the person doesn't want to exercise?

Don't turn movement into a battle.

If the person says no, becomes frustrated, or seems overwhelmed, consider changing the approach.

Instead of saying:

“You need to exercise.”

Try:

“Would you like to walk with me?”

Or:

“Let's go listen to your favorite music.”

Or simply begin doing something yourself and invite the person to join you.

Sometimes removing the pressure to “exercise” makes participation easier.

And remember: a person's willingness to participate can change from one day—or even one hour—to the next.

Make movement meaningful

Movement can be more successful when it has a purpose.

Instead of asking someone to repeatedly lift an object just because it is an exercise, consider incorporating movement into something that feels useful.

For example:

1. 1Instead of: “Let's do arm exercises.”

   Try: “Can you help me put these towels away?”

2. 2Instead of: “Let's work on walking.”

   Try: “Would you like to walk with me to see what's outside?”

3. 3Instead of: “It's time to exercise.”

   Try: “Let's put on some music.”

Purpose can make movement feel more natural and can help preserve a person's sense of independence and participation.

Adapt movement to the person's abilities

Not everyone with dementia will be able to walk independently.

A person with limited mobility may still be able to participate in movement from a seated position.

Depending on the person's abilities and healthcare guidance, movement might include:

• Moving arms or legs while seated
• Gentle stretching
• Reaching for objects
• Passing a soft ball back and forth
• Moving to music
• Practicing standing with appropriate assistance
• Simple household activities
• Hand or foot movements during familiar activities

The important thing is to adapt the activity rather than assuming the person cannot participate.

Safety comes first

Exercise and movement should be appropriate for the person's physical abilities and health.

Consider the environment before beginning an activity. Remove unnecessary trip hazards, make sure the person has appropriate footwear, and provide assistance when needed.

If the person has significant balance problems, pain, weakness, heart or lung conditions, or other health concerns, talk with their healthcare professional about what types of activity are appropriate.

Do not push through pain, exhaustion, dizziness, or distress.

The goal is safe, positive movement—not forcing someone to complete an exercise routine.

Movement can be a connection, too

Movement doesn't have to be another item on a caregiver's to-do list.

It can be an opportunity to spend time together.

• Take a walk and talk.
• Listen to music and dance.
• Water plants together.
• Fold laundry side by side.
• Stretch together.

Even a few minutes of shared movement can create an opportunity for connection.

And caregivers may benefit from moving, too. The National Institute on Aging notes that caregivers can exercise together with the person they support, making activity a shared experience.

Remember: movement is more than exercise

For a person living with dementia, movement can support much more than physical health.

• It can help maintain abilities.
• It can support independence.
• It can provide structure to the day.
• It can improve mood.
• It can create connection.
• It can provide opportunities for the person to continue doing things that are meaningful to them.

Don't focus only on how much exercise someone is getting. Look at how you can help them keep moving, participating, and engaging in life.

A simple way to get started

If you're not sure where to begin, ask yourself:

• What does this person enjoy?
• What can they still do independently?
• What kind of movement feels natural to them?
• When during the day do they seem most comfortable and engaged?

Then start small.

• A few minutes of walking.
• A favorite song.
• Watering a plant.
• Folding towels.
• A simple stretch.
• A short trip outside.

The best movement may be the movement the person enjoys enough to do again tomorrow.

For example, knowing that someone used to garden, loved dancing, preferred mornings, or becomes tired after a certain amount of activity can help caregivers create activities that are more personalized and realistic.

Over time, documenting what works—and what doesn't—can help caregivers recognize changes and share useful information with family members and healthcare professionals.