Live well with cognitive impairments and dementias
A dementia diagnosis brings a range of emotions that shake your sense of stability. Some people experience moments of disbelief or worry, while others may feel relief in having answers about the changes they’re noticing.
For the person with dementia there may be worries about losing independence, or future connection to loved ones. Feelings of anger and frustration are common too as is grief for the life that was imagined or expected. For the partner, there are similar emotions; sadness, grief for what once was ans is to become, uncertainty about the future, and helplessness for some.
However, with the right support and strategies, many find ways to manage daily life better, find new ways of connection and focus on what brings joy to enjoy a good quality of life. Taking things step by step and seeking help when needed can make the journey more manageable and meaningful to everyone involved.
Our team can help you with this.
- Our exercise physiologist Joel can help you with the right type of exercise to optimise brain health, strength, balance and power through individual consults and our specialised exercise classes.
Many studies have shown that exercise interventions, especially those including aerobic, resistance training and mind-body exercise sessions, have been shown to positively affect global cognition, working memory and daily functioning in people with both mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Exercise can also reduce symptoms such as depression and behavioural issues.
Aerobic exercise seems to be particularly effective. They think that exercise may protect the brain by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, promoting the growth of new nerve cells (neurogenesis) and enhancing the brain’s ability to reorganise itself and adapt (neuroplasticity). The studies do show however, that individual responses vary, suggesting that an exercise program needs to be tailored for every individual for optimal benefit. - Our physiotherapist Joyce will assess physical function and screen for any movement difficulties in ADL. She will also zoom in on any pain that may be evident in movement. She will provide education, answer questions you may have and she will make a plan for you.
She will then link you in with other specialties, both in and outside of Stratford Health Hub, to enable you to make a big difference in your life now and the future. Other specialities that are essential in a dementia setting are a geriatrician to help assess dementia status and help with medication management. Often an occupational therapist is important to help you with making things easier in your daily life and help you with cognitive training. A speech therapist for communication and swallowing expertise can be helpful, or a psychologist to support everyone’s mental health and remain optimistic. - Nutrition is another modifiable factor in dementia progression. Research shows that certain dietary patterns – the ones that are rich in plant based foods, healthy fats and low in processed foods – such as the mediterranean, DASH or MIND diet, are associated with a slower cognitive decline. Our dietician Jen can assist with assessing nutritional deficiencies, needs and will develop an action plan from there.
Together we can make a difference to your life. With the right type of exercise, specifically for you, diet changes, brain training and the timely involvement from other specialists, we can help you to slow your cognitive decline, improve walking patterns, improve balance, reduce falls risk, help to lift your mood and live better.