Recently, a group of researchers from Tufts University came to Compass on the Bay to screen residents for the VIVE study, focused on exercise and nutrition in the elderly. The study includes an exercise intervention, aimed at increasing individual’s exercise levels. The researchers were surprised to learn, upon interview, that many of the residents were not qualified for the study.

The reason: current and frequent exercise routines.

Exercise is an important component of Compass Memory Support. Research shows the exercise is associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and may slow the progression of the disease. Our exercise programs are important for residents’ physical, mental and cognitive health and may include supervised walking groups, strength training, dancing, gentle stretching, yoga and tai chi.

Daily exercise routines can be viewed, frequently, at all of the Compass Memory Support communities. Apparently, the residents are more active than researchers ever imagined!

What types of exercise do you find useful for people living with Alzheimer’s disease?

I have recently been inspired by a group of residents, living with Alzheimer’s disease, at Neville Place, a community managed by Senior Living Residences (www.SeniorLivingResidences.com). The residents have spent the last three months working on an exercise program with two students from Tufts University’s Occupational Therapy Department.

The student interns and the residents worked on building endurance and strength with exciting results. In the exercise group, the students asked the residents to do a little more each week, pushing them towards a new, but reachable goal. Over a period of ten weeks, the residents increased the amount of time they spent exercising, increased their repetitions in the movement group, and enjoyed the results.

Prior to the work with the student interns, the residents had participated in daily exercise, but they were all willing and able to do a little more. Research shows that exercise is an important part of maintaining cognitive health and may slow the progression of cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Having enjoyed all of my holiday celebrations, I now begin to think about the new year. It certainly seems that exercise should be a priority.  And, do I have some motivation!