Elder Rehab: A Student-Supervised Exercise Program for Alzheimer's Patients

Abstract

The physical and mental benefits of exercise are universally recognized, but seldom available to persons with early to moderate stage dementia. Difficulty in initiating and maintaining purposeful behavior, coupled with the inability to travel independently, preclude most community-dwelling dementia sufferers from accessing organized fitness programs. Overburdened caregivers typically lack the inclination and knowhow to structure and supervise systematic exercise sessions. The University of Arizona Elder Rehab program offers independent study credit to students who serve as rehab partners and fitness supervisors to noninstitutionalized persons with dementia. In addition to regular aerobics and weight training workouts, participants engage in supervised volunteer work and memory- and language-stimulation activities with their student partners. Multiple benefits accrue to all participants. The program is cost effective, easily replicated, and may also be suitable for frail and depressed elderly persons without dementia.