The impact of physical activity on Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types.

Find out more about Dementia

“A risk factor is something that is known to increase a person’s chances of developing a condition. For example, ageing is a risk factor for dementia.” (Alzheimer’s Society). We know that disease is one of the conditions that can impact our rate of decline, due to the environments that we age in, rather than being a direct consequence of ageing.

What is the link between physical activity and dementia? (Alzheimer’s Society)

Regular physical activity is one of the best things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia
“There is some evidence to show older people can also reduce their risk of dementia with regular exercise. One study looked at the amount of daily activity of older people. The ones who exercised the least (the bottom 10%) were more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as the ones who exercised the most (the top 10%).”

Gloucestershire’s Dementia Strategy – Preventing well & Living well

Live Longer Better Gloucestershire supports Gloucestershire’s Dementia Strategy. The strategy is split into key objectives, with Live Longer Better supporting both ‘Preventing Well’ and ‘Living Well’. The role physical activity has in preventing risk of dementia is well documented. For those diagnosed with dementia, remaining active can help promote independence.

As referenced in Gloucestershire’s Dementia Strategy (2023), In Gloucestershire there are currently:

5909 people over the age of 65 years with a dementia diagnosis
• 157 people under the age of 65 years with a dementia diagnosis
• 6066 people with a dementia diagnosis
• An estimated 9559 people living with dementia

Data from our local Dementia Dashboard up to end of March 2023– from the NHS England National Publication.

Importance of remaining physically active throughout mid-life to help prevent dementia:

We know that physical activity is a great way to reduce your risk of Dementia. Additional benefits from activity include:

Increasing activity and learning new skills, whether those skills be intellectual, physical, or a combination of both, appears to have general benefits for the brain and for the mind.
- Taking part in a new activity, or continuing to participate in activities will allow you to develop new skills.

Learning new skills at any age and social interaction to avoid isolation can help prevent risk of dementia. We know that community activity can play a part in providing social interaction as well as providing the opportunity to learn new skills.

Importance of remaining physically active after diagnosis to live well with dementia:

“Living Well means having the opportunity to stay socially active and connected to the community, keeping healthy and well, being able to engage in meaningful activity” (Gloucestershire Dementia Strategy). Staying active whilst living with Dementia is a great way to allow individuals to live well and it can help promote good overall wellbeing. Taking part in group activities can help individuals maintain social connections which can help tackle loneliness.

There are many benefits to remaining active whilst living with dementia which can be found on the Alzheimer’s Website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/exercise

It is important that there are a diverse range of Dementia Friendly opportunities for those living with dementia to remain active in a safe and inclusive space, within both more traditional (e.g. Leisure spaces), or less traditional environments (Memory cafe’s & community spaces etc.). Ensuring that Gloucestershire has a diverse range of dementia friendly offers, means that those living with dementia have more opportunity to live well and continue doing things that they enjoy.

Useful resources

Dementia-friendly sport and physical activity guide

This is a practical guide for the sport and physical activity sector to become more dementia friendly. It aims to inform and educate individuals and organisations so they have a better understanding of dementia and how it affects people. It also provides tools and guidance so that the sector can help more people affected by dementia lead more active lives.

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Dementia Awareness training

Contact the Managing Memory Together team on 0800 694 8800 or email them via the link below.

Get in touch
Dementia Action Alliance training

Free training for those involved in the use, furnishing, maintenance or design of any community or public space.

Date: 6 November 2024. Time: 2pm to 4pm.

Location: Gloucester

Bookings close at 12pm on 23 October 2024.

To book, please email

Book now

Physical Activity and Dementia training Expression Of Interest

We are currently exploring opportunities to offer local Changemakers some training on physical activity and dementia. This will provide activity providers and exercise practitioners with knowledge and confidence, making their offer dementia friendly. If you would like to take part in the training, complete the Expression of Interest form below.

Express my interest