Physical Therapy Benefits for Alzheimer's Disease

Balance Exercises

Often as we age, our balance skills deteriorate. For this reason, it is important to do exercises to improve and maintain balance throughout our lives. Balance exercises can be performed daily and in your own home.

You can start out with simple balance activities and increase the difficulty as your balance improves. Improving your balance takes practice. One simple exercise can be done and modified as your skill level improves. Read on to learn how to improve your balance starting today.

Beginner

1. Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a countertop.
2. Lightly grasp the chair or countertop with your fingertips.
3. Raise one leg a foot off the ground.
4. Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
5. Hold for a count of 10 seconds.
6. Repeat with the other leg.
7. Perform five times on each leg.

Intermediate

1. Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a countertop for safety only.
2. Without holding onto the chair or countertop raise one leg a foot off the ground.
3. Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
4. Hold for a count of 10 seconds.
5. Repeat with the other leg.
6. Perform five times on each leg.

Advanced

1. Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a countertop for safety only.
2. Close both eyes.
3. Without holding onto the chair or countertop raise one leg a foot off the ground.
4. Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
5. Hold for a count of 10 seconds.
6. Repeat with ​the other leg.
7. Perform five on each leg.

Your physical therapist can also show you which balance exercises may be best for you. 

Strengthening and Stretching Exercises

Maintaining optimum strength can help keep your muscles strong and keep your functional mobility at its optimum. Your physical therapist can help you determine other strengthening exercises that are right for you, whether it's core strengthening exercises, abdominal exercises, exercises for healthy knees, or morning stretches to strengthen your back or neck.

Endurance Exercises

Endurance exercises include any activities that increase your heart rate and respiratory rate. Choose from these fun activities to increase your endurance:

• Dancing
• Yoga
• Gardening
• Housework
• Bowling
• Biking
• Tai Chi

Many physical therapist clinics offer group exercise classes. This has the added benefit of socialization during exercise, which can keep you motivated while getting in your exercise.