Yoga is an ancient form of physical and mental exercise. Originating in India, yoga was originally primarily associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism as a form of spiritual practice, the practice of yoga is however not an activity exclusive only to the religious. All over the world, people of various faiths, ethnicities, and cultures, practice and enjoy yoga for its various physical and mental benefits. In this article, we cover just some of what those benefits are in relation to the practice of yoga for seniors with dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia refers to a series of mental symptoms related to the impairment of an individual’s behavior, cognition, and memory. It is typically related to illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy body disease but can also develop as the result of a strike. Whilst it’s entirely normal to experience a decline in cognitive abilities as you age, what sets dementia apart from regular neurodegeneration is its severity. People with dementia experience severe declines in quality of life due to their memory issues and may have trouble remembering important people close to them, core memories, or daily routines. They may hence need special assistance for acts of daily living and to monitor their safety.
How Can Yoga Be Useful for People With Dementia?
It’s important to understand that as of now, there is no known cure for dementia. Yoga is not going to be a magical formula to reverse the effects of dementia, but it can be useful in improving the prognosis of patients. Yoga can be beneficial primarily in two ways:
- Physical Health
Individuals with dementia may experience serious declines in their physical health. Because dementia may affect the daily routines of people, it may lead to a drop in physical exercise and healthy eating habits. For this reason, an activity like yoga may be extremely helpful in promoting regular exercise. It is an exercise that is both not overly complex, but also reasonably challenging and highly modifiable to an individual’s own fitness level. Yoga is associated with the improvement of posture, fine motor skills, mobility, and flexibility.
- Mental Health
When we do new things, we challenge our minds, and this leads to the development of new neural connections to accommodate the learning of new skills and behaviors. This can be healthy for the brain, and this form of development can help individuals with dementia remain mentally stimulated. Not only that, but the practice of yoga may also lead to the decline of symptoms associated with depression or anxiety, which may better allow people with dementia to better focus more on themselves and living in the moment.
Why Choose Discovery Commons Cypress Point?
At Discovery Commons Cypress Point By Discovery Senior Living we have plenty of experience working with individuals with dementia. Our Memory Care Community is specifically designed to cater to their needs, and our 24/7 in-house team of medical staff and professionals are specially trained in how to interact with them and support them so that they get the respect they deserve. Residents at our Memory Care Centre can still enjoy our resort-style facilities and exclusive senior lifestyle programs. Contact us here to schedule a tour, or find out more about whether Discovery Commons Cypress Point is right for you!
