Be Active
Regular physical exercise may be a beneficial strategy to lower the risk dementia. Exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing the blood and oxygen flow in the brain.
Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:
- Improves cardiovascular conditioning
- Decreases risk of heart disease
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases HDL or the “good” cholesterol
- Helps to better control blood sugar
- Assists in weight management and/or weight loss
- Improves lung function
- Decreases resting heart rate
Talk with your provider before you start an exercise program and ask if there are any limitations you may have. People who suffer from diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, arthritis, pulmonary conditions, or other health conditions may need additional safety guidelines for exercise.
If you develop symptoms during exercise including, but not limited to: unusual shortness of breath; tightness in the chest; chest, shoulder or jaw pain; lightheadedness; dizziness; confusion; or joint pain, stop exercising immediately and contact your provider.
In addition to aerobic exercise, it’s also important to incorporate strength training and balance exercises. Strength training, balance exercises, and stretching may help to improve mood, enhance focus, and keep you strong and flexible, which decreases the risk of falling.
