Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for aging
adults. Swimming boosts a slow, sluggish metabolism, facilitates good
digestion, and gets the blood flowing. It engages and challenges every muscle
in the body, improves coordination, and builds respiratory endurance. It also
offers an entirely non-impact workout that's perfect for those with sore
muscles and joints, or brittle, easily injured bones. However, if your loved
one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or has already been battling
this disease for some time, swimming provides an important and surprising range
of additional benefits impacting memory, cognition, and social engagement among
other things.
1.
Cold Water Swimming May Slow the
Progression of Dementia
Researchers at Cambridge University recently discovered a
link between cold water swimming and a reduced risk of dementia.
They noted that swimming in cold water caused a process known as recreational
hypothermia in which "cold shock" neuro-protective proteins are
produced and released. While these same proteins are naturally found in the
brains of healthy individuals, they are noticeably absent in AD patients and in
people with other forms of dementia or other progressive, neurological
diseases. Although studies on the benefits of cold-water therapy for
Alzheimer's patients are still in their formative stages, the current
results seem very promising. While there are no guarantees that a few trips to
the pool will extend your loved one's healthy years or allow for longer moments
of lucidity, it's definitely worth keeping in mind when deciding whether or not
to visit the pool.
2.
Swimming Can Be an Enjoyable Part of
Senior's Established Routine
Swimming is a great way to establish a regular, reliable
routine that fosters a sense of stability and helps aging adults feel good
about themselves. Group swimming classes are an excellent opportunity for aging
adults to socialize. Establishing social connections with fellow swimmers
can boost memory. When paired with the stimulating benefits of physical
exercise, seniors with dementia can recognize noticeable improvements in their
overall cognition.
3.
Seniors With Dementia Can Enjoy Deep and
Restful Sleep
Swimming has long been valued for its ability to promote
deep and restful sleep. If your loved one struggles with insomnia or other
sleep troubles, swimming could be the key to relief. As a high-cardio,
non-impact activity, it won't cause any joint stress or severe muscle
pain, even as it provides substantial body exercise. One of the benefits of
swimming is also alleviating stress and anxiety which are both frequently
responsible for keeping dementia patients up at night.
4.
Stimulate a Sluggish Appetite
People with Alzheimer's can sometimes lose interest
in food. With swimming, the combination of low body temperature and calorie
burning stimulates a hearty appetite. Swimmers generally eat well, sleep
well, and have fewer digestive problems overall.
5.
Provide exercise for joints and muscles
Swimming provides a low-impact, non-weight-bearing form
of exercise that is easy on the joints and muscles. This can be especially
important for older adults who may have arthritis or other health conditions
that make other forms of exercise more difficult.
6.
Reducing inflammation and oxidative
damage
Swimming may also be beneficial for the brain by reducing
inflammation and oxidative damage, both of which have been linked to cognitive
decline in Alzheimer's. Research has shown that swimming can help to reduce
levels of inflammatory markers and increase levels of antioxidants in the body,
which can help to protect the brain from damage and promote healthy brain
function.
7.
Sense of control and independence
Swimming may also be beneficial for individuals with
Alzheimer's by providing a sense of control and independence. For many
individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, loss of independence and control
can be a significant source of stress and anxiety. Swimming can be a empowering
activity that allows individuals to take control of their bodies and engage in
physical activity on their own terms, which can help to boost self-esteem and
promote positive mental health.
8.
Designated swim times give caregivers a
break
Caring for a person experiencing advanced memory loss can be overwhelming. Even for professional caregivers. Care centers have seen an increase in employee morale and retention with an increased number of classes and activities for residents. Social events give patients and the people caring for them a chance to relax and be with people much like themselves.
A 2018 study by researchers at the University of
Nottingham and the Institute of Mental Health in the UK found that swimming
sessions were beneficial to people with dementia and their caregivers.
Tom Dening, a professor of dementia research, said the
"study suggests there is huge potential for these specially organized
swimming sessions to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and
their caregivers. Swimming, in particular, can improve fitness with less strain
on joints compared to land-based exercise. Swimming sessions reduced the sense
of responsibility felt by caregivers, providing them with their own support
network and the opportunity to have a break from caring, in the company of
others in similar circumstances. The swimming itself was enjoyable for everyone
and provided people with dementia the chance to exercise as well as giving them
confidence and empowering them."
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.seasonsalf.com/swimming-for-dementia-how-swimming-can-help-dementia-patients/
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-54531075
https://www.beingpatient.com/swimming-brain-health/
