Exercise for Older Adults with Dementia

(Formerly Southwest Suburban Center on Aging)
111 West Harris Avenue
La Grange, Illinois 60525
(708) 354-1323
 
News Release  
Contact:  Niki Chibucos,  Director of Development and  Community Relations
(708) 354-1323, extension 26
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
Exercise for Older Adults with Dementia
 
                Aging Care Connections, La Grange, and Right-Fit Sport Fitness Wellness, Willowbrook, offer a six-week fitness program for those with early to mid-stage dementia and their caregivers at Aging Care Connections, 111 W. Harris Avenue, La Grange.  Classes meet from 10 am -10:45 am every Friday.  Cost for six-weeks is $56 at the time of registration.  To register, please call 708-354-1323, extension 12.
                Recent research has indicated that regular aerobic exercise may delay or even reverse age-related brain decline including that associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  Exercise has been shown to positively affect the brain in several ways:  it improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery to brain cells; it increases levels of neurotrophin, a chemical that is associated with learning, health of brain cells and protection of brain cells from injury; it decreases insulin resistance in cells resulting in a lower risk of dementia; and it delays the accumulation of beta-amyloid in the brain which results in decreased risk for and progression of dementia.
                The exercise program at Aging Care Connections relies on a progression of movements that should be practiced at home with the caregiver.  It is a model program in our area that has drawn the attention of the Alzheimer’s Foundation because of its direct relationship to cutting-edge research supporting that exercise should be included in a plan of care for persons with progressive memory loss or dementia.
                Aging Care Connections is a non-profit organization which is the connection to the most comprehensive, expert information, programs and services enabling older adults to remain independent and their families to make the best, most informed decisions regarding needed care in their lives.  Serving 22 communities in Lyons, Riverside and South Proviso Townships, Aging Care Connections’ programs and services are made possible by community support and donations, and, in part, by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), AgeOptions, Community Memorial Foundation and local United Ways.  The organization investigates elder abuse in ten additional communities in Leyden and Norwood Park Townships.  To learn more, visit
www.agingcareconnections.org
.