The Benefits of Exercise Physiology for Dementia
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities. As the global population ages, the number of people living with dementia is rising rapidly. While there is currently no cure for dementia, there are many ways to manage symptoms and support quality of life - and one of the most effective and evidence-based interventions is exercise physiology.
In this article, we’ll explore how exercise physiology supports individuals with dementia, the scientific evidence behind its benefits, and how an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can create personalised movement plans to improve physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing.
What Is Exercise Physiology?
Exercise physiology is the study of how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. It plays a critical role in preventing, managing, and treating chronic conditions through targeted exercise intervention.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university-qualified allied health professionals trained to design and deliver safe, effective exercise programs for people with medical conditions, disabilities, or injuries. For people living with dementia, an AEP can tailor programs that maintain strength, balance, mobility, and cognitive function - improving overall quality of life.
Learn more about what exercise physiology involves.
Understanding Dementia: A Brief Overview
Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term for a range of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. The most common types include:
Alzheimer’s disease
Vascular dementia
Frontotemporal dementia
Lewy body dementia
Dementia impacts memory, reasoning, language, orientation, and judgement. Over time, it can affect mobility, continence, and the ability to perform daily activities. Many people with dementia also experience changes in mood, behaviour, and personality.
While medication can help manage some symptoms, non-pharmacological strategies like exercise have been shown to deliver significant benefits for both physical and cognitive health.
Why Exercise Physiology Matters for Dementia
A growing body of research shows that exercise has a positive effect on brain health, including in people with cognitive decline and dementia. Exercise improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - a protein that supports neuron health and function.
Exercise physiology applies this research into practice. Through personalised assessment and structured programs, AEPs can:
Delay physical decline
Support memory and cognitive function
Enhance mobility and independence
Improve mental health
Reduce the risk of falls
Support carer and family wellbeing
Let’s explore these benefits in more detail.
1. Slowing Cognitive Decline
One of the most valuable benefits of exercise physiology for dementia is its role in slowing cognitive deterioration. Regular aerobic and strength-based exercise has been shown to:
Improve attention, executive function, and processing speed
Support short- and long-term memory
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain
An AEP will design an evidence-based program that includes aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, or dancing, combined with functional strength training and cognitive challenge (such as dual-tasking), to keep the brain and body working together.
2. Improving Physical Function and Mobility
As dementia progresses, individuals often experience reduced physical function. They may walk more slowly, struggle with balance, or become deconditioned due to inactivity.
Exercise physiologists help improve or maintain:
Muscle strength
Endurance and cardiovascular health
Balance and coordination
Joint flexibility
Mobility and gait
Maintaining mobility not only supports independence but also reduces the risk of secondary complications like pressure sores, joint stiffness, or falls.
At Thrive Health Therapies, we provide clinic-based and mobile exercise physiology to support people in settings that feel most comfortable to them.
3. Supporting Mental Health and Mood
People with dementia frequently experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, frustration, and apathy. Exercise has a powerful impact on mental wellbeing through:
The release of endorphins and serotonin
Reduced stress hormone levels
Improved sleep patterns
A greater sense of control and purpose
An exercise physiologist provides more than just a workout - they offer consistent encouragement, structured routines, and meaningful engagement, all of which can reduce feelings of isolation or helplessness.
For those managing co-occurring mental health conditions, exercise physiology for mental wellbeing is an evidence-backed approach that integrates physical activity with psychosocial support.
4. Preventing Falls and Fractures
Falls are one of the most common and serious risks for older adults with dementia. Cognitive impairment can interfere with spatial awareness, judgement, and reaction time, making individuals more vulnerable to trips and accidents.
Exercise physiologists use targeted balance and gait training to help reduce this risk. This may include:
Step training and obstacle navigation
Strengthening lower body muscles
Flexibility and postural exercises
Home safety recommendations
Fall prevention is a cornerstone of geriatric exercise physiology and can significantly reduce hospitalisation and long-term care needs.
5. Enhancing Daily Function and Independence
Dementia can erode a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and managing household tasks. Through targeted functional training, exercise physiologists help maintain or regain:
Grip strength
Dexterity
Sit-to-stand ability
Stair climbing
Endurance for tasks like shopping or gardening
These skills are essential for preserving dignity, independence, and quality of life.
6. Supporting Carers and Families
Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. A structured exercise program delivered by a qualified professional gives carers:
Respite from their caregiving role
Peace of mind knowing the person is engaged and active
Opportunities for joint participation in sessions
Strategies to support physical activity at home
What Does an Exercise Physiology Program for Dementia Look Like?
At Thrive Health Therapies, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists follow a structured process tailored to the individual’s cognitive and physical needs.
Initial Assessment
Each program starts with a thorough assessment, including:
Medical and cognitive history
Functional mobility and balance testing
Strength and cardiovascular capacity
Goals of the participant and their support team
Behavioural and environmental considerations
Personalised Exercise Plan
Following assessment, the AEP develops a tailored program which may include:
Aerobic activity (e.g. walking, stationary cycling)
Resistance training using light weights or resistance bands
Balance and proprioception exercises
Dual-task and cognitive challenge games
Functional activities like stairs, standing, reaching
The program is delivered with consideration for the person’s learning style, mood, and cognitive status.
Ongoing Monitoring and Review
Regular sessions are supported by goal tracking and communication with family or other healthcare providers. Adjustments are made as the condition progresses or goals change.
Exercise Physiology Across the Dementia Journey
Exercise is beneficial at all stages of dementia, though the focus of intervention may shift.
Early Stage Dementia
Focus on cardiovascular and cognitive fitness
Skill building for long-term independence
Establishing consistent exercise habits
Education for self-management
Moderate Stage Dementia
Increased focus on safety and function
Hands-on supervision and cueing
Family involvement
Reducing agitation and inactivity
Advanced Stage Dementia
Gentle movement for comfort and circulation
Preventing stiffness, contractures, and pressure sores
Supporting dignity and emotional wellbeing
Working closely with carers and palliative care teams
In-Home and Community-Based Exercise Physiology for Dementia
At Thrive Health Therapies, we offer mobile exercise physiology services across Adelaide. This means we can deliver dementia-friendly exercise sessions:
In your home or residential setting
At aged care facilities
In community centres or day programs
Via telehealth for remote support
Mobile services are particularly helpful for individuals with cognitive decline, where travel and unfamiliar environments can be stressful.
A Holistic Approach to Dementia Care
While dementia presents many challenges, it is possible to live well with the right support. Exercise physiology offers a powerful, non-invasive way to improve mobility, preserve independence, enhance cognitive function, and uplift mood.
At Thrive Health Therapies, our exercise physiologists take a compassionate, person-centred approach - working with families, support workers, and healthcare teams to deliver meaningful, evidence-based care.
If you or a loved one is living with dementia, we’re here to help you move better, feel stronger, and live more fully.
Ready to Get Started?
Get in touch with Thrive Health Therapies to book an assessment with one of our experienced exercise physiologists. We provide clinic-based, mobile, and telehealth services across Adelaide.
📞 Phone: 0474 248 081
📧 Email: enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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