Dementia Care – Atkins Health Active Alzheimer’s Program

Living with dementia doesn’t mean giving up on life. Our dementia care program empowers you to embrace each day with confidence and joy, no matter the challenges. Run by our exercise physiologists, and supported by geriatricians, this program has been designed for newly diagnosed individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia who want to stay active.

Help for Alzheimer’s Disease Our Dementia Health Care Program

Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory loss, language difficulties, and problems with decision-making or problem-solving. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and is characterized by a progressive decline in memory and cognitive function. The Atkins Health Active Alzheimer’s Program is one of its kind in the community that promotes Dementia care. Most programs like these are run in aged care homes or hospitals. Run by our exercise physiologists, and supported by geriatricians, this one-of-a-kind program is geared not just to our dementia clients, but also supports their families.
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Discover the Possibilities with our Active Alzheimer’s Program

Our program focuses on a proactive approach in delaying the need to go into assisted care. This is the first of its kind in Gold Coast community, We prescribe tailored exercise for individual needs to improve longevity and reduce the chances of developing other health issues.


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THE BENEFITS OF Exercise in Dementia Care

Exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with dementia. Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. While there is currently no cure for dementia, exercise can help to slow down its progression and improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease. Some of the benefits include:

Improved cognitive function: Regular physical activity has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, which can help to improve memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities. In addition, exercise has been shown to stimulate the production of chemicals in the brain that are responsible for improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing feelings of well-being. 

Improved physical function in individuals with dementia: As the disease progresses, many individuals with dementia experience declines in physical abilities such as balance, coordination, and mobility. Exercise has been shown to help improve these physical abilities, reducing the risk of falls and improving the ability to perform everyday tasks. 

Physical Benefits: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and help to maintain a healthy weight. 




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WHO WITH DEMENTIA Do We Cater For?


  • Individuals who are newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia  
  • Those who seek to keep their independence at home – and wish to continue to do so
  • Those who wish to use half-day respite care and receive therapy at the same time 

Learn More


WHAT TYPES OF EXERCISE Can We Expect?

A good exercise program for individuals with dementia should include a combination of activities that target both physical and cognitive function. Some specific exercises that may be included in a dementia exercise program include:

1. Aerobic exercise: This type of exercise helps to increase heart rate and improve cardiovascular function. Aerobic activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming can help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

2. Strength training: Resistance exercise can help to improve muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Activities such as weightlifting, resistance band exercises, or chair exercises can be used to target specific muscle groups. 

3. Balance exercises: These exercises can help to improve balance, reduce the risk of falls, and improve physical function. Balance exercises can include simple activities such as standing on one foot, walking heel-to-toe, or tai chi. 

4. Cognitive stimulation: These exercises help to improve cognitive function and delay the progression of dementia. Cognitive stimulation activities can include Memory games: Simple memory games such as concentration, where cards with matching pairs are laid face down and the goal is to match pairs, or memory matching, where objects are laid out and the goal is to remember their location, can help improve memory and concentration.

    • Word games: Word games such as crossword puzzles, Scrabble, or Boggle can help to improve language and cognitive function. 
    • Visual perception games: These games challenge visual perception and spatial awareness skills. Examples include jigsaw puzzles, Tangrams, or mazes. 
    • Numbers games: Games that involve numbers, such as Sudoku or KenKen, can help improve mathematical and logical reasoning skills. 
    • Strategy games: Games that require strategy, such as chess or checkers, can help improve planning and problem-solving skills.

5. Dance and movement: This type of exercise combines physical activity with social interaction and can be enjoyable for individuals with dementia. Dance and movement activities can include line dancing, ballroom dancing, or movement classes. 

It’s important to keep in mind that individuals with dementia may have different physical and cognitive abilities, so it’s important to tailor the exercise program to their specific needs and abilities. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can help to design a safe and effective exercise program for dementia care. 



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What makes our program UNIQUE

At Atkins Health our exercise physiologists, who are qualified and experienced in working with people living with dementia, makes our Active Alzheimer’s Program safe, rewarding and enjoyable. This is what makes our program unique:

  • Available at a variety of our Gold Coast locations
  • Suitable for people who are not in residential care
  • Both individual and group classes available
  • Guided by an exercise physiologist with special interests in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  • Regular reporting available for family/carers on participant’s progress


What happens in OUR SESSIONS

The structure of our sessions ensures that they are tailored to each person’s specific needs. At Atkins Health all participants are set up for success and supported throughout their journey with us.


Initial Assessment

  • We use special tests related to cognitive function 
  • We also assess strength, balance and stamina which are related to remaining independent at home 
  • Discuss a pathway towards commencing the program 
  • Reassessment after 6 weeks to re-establish goals and determine if ready to progress to a group-based setting

Purpose of Individual Sessions

  • Build up skills  
  • Become competent in exercise 
  • Increase confidence 
  • Closely monitor progression and adaptation to exercise

Purpose of Group Classes

  • Provide a social setting to create new friendships for clients and their partners 
  • To have stimulating and engaging conversations  
  • Provide an environment for carers to create connections

What Our Sessions Comprise

Our Active Alzheimer’s sessions inolve:
  • Extended cardiovascular warmup 
  • Exercise circuit, focusing on improving 
  • Strength  
  • Balance 
  • Dual tasking
  • Gross-motor and Fine-motor skill development, using games 
  • Cognitive games 

WHEN
Details

  • Wednesday 11am – 1pm
  • 4 – 6 people per class
  • We welcome NDIS & Private Health participants

COST
Individual & Group

  • Initial Assessment$105.00
  • 30-min Follow-up Session$95.00
  • 45-min Follow-up Session$120.00
  • 2-hour Group Session$100.00

Request Appointment, a Class or Just Ask Us a Question

Complete the form below to book a call from us to discuss our Dementia Care – Active Alzheimer’s Program or any of Atkins Health’s services, or to ask us a question.














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