Health Blog

How can physiotherapy help with Dementia?

Physios can assess problems that restrict a person’s physical activities as well as how able they are to join in with everyday life. The physio can work with the person with dementia and their carers to encourage and promote physical activity and maintain their mobility and independence for as long as possible.

They can show carers how to support independence. This can help to ease the carer’s role and promote the best quality of life for the person with dementia. 

Exercise can help to improve the thinking and mood of people with dementia, which in turn can reduce the need for medication and encourage social interaction. Exercise may in some patients have a positive impact on the behavioural and psychological symptoms of the condition.

Physios may lead exercise, music or recall classes. Seated exercise groups are an effective way of providing physical activity, along with walking and the use of technology such as the Wii. Strength and balance exercises are key for people with dementia to reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

People with dementia often have difficulty with reporting any pain they may be in; physios can assess and advise on identifying and treating pain with supporting seating and positioning advice to make the person as comfortable as possible.

People with dementia are at higher risks of falls. A physio can help reduce the risk of falls through advice, strength and balance exercises and postural assessments. They can also advise carers and other health professionals on preventing falls.

Contact Jane or Elissa at Neuro Rehabilitation Kent Ltd to discuss how we can help

Jane@neurorehabkent.com 01732 451352.