Moving for the Mind: Why Exercise Supports Brain Health in Dementia

We often think of physical exercise as something we do for our bodies. But research shows that movement benefits our minds just as much—especially for people living with dementia or those at risk of cognitive decline.

Physical exercise supports memory, mood, attention, and overall brain function, making it an essential part of any early dementia care plan.

As a dementia care expert, I’ve seen the difference that regular movement can make—not only in cognition but also in confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing.

When combined with early legacy planning and personalised care, physical activity becomes a powerful tool for living well with dementia.

How Physical Activity Helps the Brain

Physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new brain cells, and helps maintain neural pathways. It also reduces inflammation, improves sleep, and supports the release of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

For individuals living with early-stage dementia, these changes can help delay progression and maintain quality of life.

The benefits include:

• Improved attention and processing speed
• Reduced risk of falls and injuries
• Better sleep and emotional regulation
• Slower cognitive decline
• Enhanced mood and self-esteem

These outcomes align closely with the goals of Advance Care Planning Australia, which advocates for a holistic approach to cognitive and emotional support.

Starting Early: Building a Routine Before Changes Occur

One of the most important factors in using exercise to maintain cognitive health is starting early. For individuals who have just received a dementia diagnosis or are noticing signs of memory loss, now is the time to build consistent, realistic movement habits.

Daily walks, balance exercises, dancing, swimming, or even gardening can become part of a sustainable routine that also supports legacy planning.

Families can document these routines as part of a personalised activity calendar or legacy letter that reflects how the person likes to move and stay active.

Legacy Through Movement

Movement isn’t just health-focused—it can also be deeply personal and expressive.

Consider how legacy planning can incorporate physical memory:

• A video of someone dancing with their grandchildren
• A written reflection on how cycling brought them peace
• A recorded message about playing sport in their youth
• A sensory memory box with a tennis ball, swimming cap, or walking shoes

These stories can be preserved securely in a digital legacy vault, forming part of a larger emotional and spiritual care plan.

Collaborative Planning with Loved Ones

Families often ask, “How do we get started?” The key is to create an inclusive routine that accommodates all stages of ability while focusing on joy, not just goals.

Ideas include:

• Walking together after dinner
• Doing chair-based yoga or tai chi with a carer
• Playing music and encouraging simple dance movements
• Incorporating faith-based or cultural movement practices

These routines help with emotional bonding and offer opportunities to discuss other planning needs—such as early communication planning or creating a skills and knowledge inventory.

Support from Allied Health Professionals

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists play a crucial role in helping individuals with dementia adapt their physical routines as needs change. They offer assessments and guidance on safe, meaningful movement, especially when physical function or mobility is affected.

Incorporating their recommendations into activity adaptation plans ensures care is both personalised and preventative. This support can also be recorded in a care document or uploaded to Evaheld’s secure platform for easy sharing with family and care teams.

Encouraging Movement in Residential and Home Care Settings

For individuals already in residential care or receiving support at home, physical activity should still be part of their everyday life. Small changes can make a big difference:

• Walks in the garden or courtyard
• Seated exercise classes
• Cultural or religious movement rituals
• Music-led movement sessions
• Gentle stretches with carers or family

Providers can support carers by offering movement-friendly environments and encouraging inclusion in story circles or legacy video creation that includes movement-related memories.

The Emotional Impact of Physical Movement

Beyond brain health, physical activity provides moments of pride, peace, and purpose. For many individuals with dementia, movement becomes a way to reconnect with who they were—and who they still are.

Carers often report:

• Reduced frustration and restlessness
• Improved ability to engage in conversations
• Greater willingness to participate in legacy activities
• Enhanced sense of dignity and accomplishment

Movement also helps individuals express difficult emotions that may be hard to articulate verbally. That emotional release supports carer wellbeing too, reducing tension and strengthening relationships.

Resources like Nurse Info offer guidance for implementing movement safely and compassionately.

Blending Physical Health with Legacy Planning

Movement-based routines can be documented and shared as part of an individual’s ethical will, care plan, or legacy letter. For example:

• “I’d love my grandchildren to keep walking the track near our old home.”
• “I always found peace when dancing—I hope my story reminds you to find joy in music.”

Using Evaheld, families can preserve these messages alongside videos, routines, or descriptions of how movement supported mental clarity and emotional strength.

In Summary

The link between physical exercise and cognitive maintenance is undeniable. For individuals facing dementia, movement becomes a form of prevention, expression, and legacy. It supports the brain, lifts the spirit, and deepens family connection.

Whether through dance, walks, stretching, or simply being outdoors, movement allows individuals to stay present, purposeful, and proud. By starting early and involving loved ones, you create not only a healthier future—but a more meaningful legacy.

Explore personalised legacy and health integration tools at Evaheld, and begin building a movement routine that preserves more than muscle—it preserves memory, identity, and joy.