When caring for a loved one with dementia, it’s natural to seek ways to enhance their quality of life, helping them feel connected, confident and independent for as long as possible. Regular exercise, both mental and physical, plays a key role in supporting brain function, improving mood, and maintaining physical health.
This guide outlines a variety of gentle, engaging activities that can benefit individuals at all stages of dementia, while offering meaningful ways for families to connect.
Why is Exercise Important for People Living with Dementia?
Exercise plays a vital role in supporting both the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with dementia. While there is no cure for the condition, regular movement can help slow its progression and improve quality of life in meaningful ways.
Benefits of Exercise for Dementia:
- Maintains physical strength and mobility – Gentle activity helps preserve muscle tone, joint flexibility, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and supporting daily independence.
- Supports brain health – Movement increases blood flow to the brain, which may help improve cognitive function and delay decline.
- Reduces stress and anxiety – Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, natural mood boosters that can help ease agitation and lift mood.
- Improves sleep and appetite – Regular exercise helps regulate sleep patterns and can encourage healthy eating habits.
- Boosts self-esteem and confidence – Achieving even small physical goals can instill a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
- Encourages social interaction – Group walks, dancing or community classes create valuable opportunities for connection and companionship.
Using Routine and Structure to Enhance Engagement
For individuals living with dementia, consistency and familiarity can have a powerful impact. A well-structured daily routine helps reduce confusion, ease anxiety, and build a sense of purpose, especially when it includes meaningful activities like exercise.
Why Routine Matters:
- Repetition builds familiarity, which can feel reassuring
- Predictable schedules reduce stress and restlessness
- Regular activities provide opportunities for success and enjoyment
How to Build a Supportive Routine:
- Choose a consistent time each day for physical or cognitive exercises
- Keep activities short, simple, and easy to follow
- Combine movement with other routine elements, such as morning music with light stretches or an afternoon puzzle after lunch
- Use visual cues (like calendars or activity cards) to reinforce the schedule
Establishing a gentle, activity-based rhythm can transform daily care from task-focused to truly person-centred. Even small moments of routine can offer great emotional comfort.
Engaging Exercises for People With Dementia
The Power of Singing and Music
Singing is a joyful, therapeutic activity that can spark memories and lift spirits. Many people living with dementia retain the ability to recall songs, even when other memories fade.
Singing for the Brain sessions, run by the Alzheimer’s Society, bring people together in a welcoming group setting with music, clapping, and rhythm-based exercises.
At home, listening to favourite songs or singing along together can evoke strong emotional responses, creating a calming environment and strengthening bonds.
Tip: Create a personalised playlist using familiar songs from their younger years.
Stimulating the Senses with Multisensory Activities
For those who may feel withdrawn or agitated, sensory-based activities can bring gentle comfort and connection. These may include:
- Gardening – handling soil, smelling flowers, and watching wildlife can stimulate the senses and calm the mind.
- Memory boxes – filled with photos, keepsakes and personal items to prompt storytelling and reminiscence.
- Baking and tactile crafts – activities involving touch, smell and routine help ground individuals in the moment.
A multisensory approach is about exploring what feels good, not getting it ‘right’.
Keeping the Mind Active with Cognitive Exercises
Mental stimulation can help preserve thinking skills and promote confidence. Even simple games for people with dementia can make a significant difference:
- Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords or word searches
- Playing card games or familiar board games
- Learning new skills, such as simple songs on an instrument
- Reminiscence games or trivia linked to personal memories
Tailor these activities to their interests and abilities — what matters most is the engagement and enjoyment.
Supporting Physical Health Through Movement
Staying physically active improves circulation, supports heart health, and may help slow cognitive decline. Physical activity can also reduce feelings of restlessness or anxiety.
Suitable activities include:
- Gentle walks in the local park or garden
- Dancing to favourite music
- Swimming or water-based movement
- Light bowling or group movement classes
Note: Start slowly and ensure supervision if needed. Comfort and safety should always come first.
Seated Exercises for Gentle Movement
Not all exercise needs to be strenuous. Seated exercises can be just as beneficial, especially for those with limited mobility:
- Arm raises and leg extensions
- Toe taps and knee lifts
- Gentle clapping, reaching, and arm circles
- Squeezing a soft ball or rhythmic hand movements
These movements promote flexibility, boost circulation, and provide a sense of routine, all while being easy to do at home or in a group.
Our quick guide offers additional ideas for exercises for older adults.
Promoting Social Wellbeing
An active social life is just as important as physical health. Social interaction boosts mood, prevents isolation, and gives people a renewed sense of purpose.
- Encourage attendance at dementia-friendly groups or community centres
- Explore specialist activity providers like Dementia Adventure, who organise supported walks, nature days and even sailing trips
- Arrange regular visits from friends, neighbours, or local volunteers
Even short, friendly conversations can help someone feel seen and included.
Specialist Dementia Care at Home
At Prestige Nursing & Care, we believe that people living with dementia should be able to live a fulfilled and healthy life at home. With the right support in place, tailored to their individual needs.
As an established provider of dementia home care and complex care, we have supported individuals living with dementia to have an improved quality of life in their own homes and communities for over 80 years. We are trusted by families up and down the country to provide care for all of life, evolving the level and type of care we provide to meet changing needs.
Call us on 0808 239 1525, and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice, enabling you to make the right choice for you and your family.
